Report: FBI, Justice Dept. probe AIPAC

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"According to a TIME Magazine report the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors are examining whether Rep. Jane Harman of California and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) may have violated the law in a scheme to get Harman reappointed as the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, according to knowledgeable sources in and out of the US government.

The sources told TIME that the investigation by Justice and the FBI is examining whether Harman and AIPAC arranged for wealthy supporters to lobby House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi on Harman's behalf. Harman said Thursday in a voicemail message that any investigation of - or allegation of improper conduct by - her would be "irresponsible, laughable and scurrilous."

On Friday, Washington GOP super lawyer Ted Olson left voicemail messages with TIME underscoring that Harman has no knowledge of any investigation. "Congresswoman Harman has asked me to follow up on calls you've had," Olson said. "She is not aware of any such investigation, does not believe that it is occurring, and wanted to make sure that you and your editors knew that as far as she knows, that's not true...No one from the Justice Department has contacted her."

It is not, however, a given that Harman would know that she is under investigation. In a follow-up phone call from California, Olson said Harman hired him this morning because she takes seriously the possibility of a media report about an investigation of her, even though she does not believe it herself.

A spokesman for AIPAC denied any wrongdoing by the group and stressed that it is not taking sides in regards to the committee assignment."

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1159193487588&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[DURHAM D]

1. This is actually laughable. Like she was

going to lose her committee appointment without further lobbying. A big fat non-starter spun up by the repug head of the committee.

[Bitwit1234]

2. Desperate

Stuff like this shows the desperation of the rove group. First..isn't Israel the republicans buddies. Second...don't the republicans (majority) appoint representatives and senators to committees.

If the democrats are so powerful they can appoint people to committes how come we don't have a majority on some of the most important committees in congress. This I don't Understand.

[peacetalksforall]

3. Doesn't this seem cozy? I'm not sure what I'm referring to, but

it isn't setting well with me.

Starting with - why would she hire an ultra right wing lawyer?

[Tom Joad]

4. Because she is ultra-right wing? 'Fraid so.