Veteran Rep. Reps. McKeon and Gallegly tied to VIP loan scandal (Countrywide Financial)

[Bill USA]

The Hill


Veteran California Republican Reps. Howard McKeon and Elton Gallegy acknowledged on Saturday that they received VIP loans from Countrywide Financial, which is under investigation for possibly giving lawmakers special treatment to win political favors, The Wall Street Journal reports.

McKeon and Gallegly were among the four names sent to the House Ethics committee by House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa (R., Calif.), who is investigating Countrywide's VIP Program.

A spokeswoman for McKeon told The Wall Street Journal that McKeon was "pretty shocked and angry" when he learned that he was listed as a VIP loan customer. She said the lawmaker, who chairs the Armed Services Committee, had not known that his 1998 home loan had gone through any special program.

McKeon's loan was for $315,000, and he no longer owns the property, according to the report.
(more)

[3waygeek]

1. Wonder if this has anything to do

with Gallegly's decision to retire? Not that it matters -- Issa wouldn't go after fellow Rethugs.