Holder Prosecuted corrupt Democrat Dan Rostenkowski (house and means)

[Ichingcarpenter]

More on Holder:


Rostenkowski's political career was shattered in 1994, when he was indicted on corruption charges for his key role in the House post office scandal. He was forced to step down from all Congressional leadership positions. In elections later that year, Rostenkowski lost his seat and retired from political life. Charges against Rostenkowski included keeping "ghost" employees on his payroll, using Congressional funds to buy gifts such as chairs and ashtrays for friends, and trading in officially purchased stamps for cash at the House post office<1>. In 1996, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of mail fraud. He was fined and was sentenced to 17 months in prison, of which he served 15. Rostenkowski was pardoned in Dec. 2000 by US President Bill Clinton.

Rostenkowski's downfall in 1994 was portrayed by Republicans as emblematic of Democratic corruption. The scandal helped fuel the Republican victory in the House, led by Newt Gingrich and his Contract with America. "The rise and fall of Dan Rostenkowski tracks the rise and fall of Democrats in the House," concludes Richard E. Cohen in his book on Rostenkowski<2> . "It is a story of power, accomplishments, and, ultimately, failure and humiliation." Rostenkowski was defeated by Republican attorney Michael Patrick Flanagan by a margin of eight points.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Rostenkowski

http://www.answers.com/topic/eric-h-holder-jr

[Thrill]

1. He's qualified and a smart guy. But his confirmation will be tough

This is a battle the Repukes will want to fight. If for no other reason they get a chance to make Clinton look bad again. The Mark Rich stuff is going to be aired out

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. Waxman thought the pardon stunk too

So did many others including me. But it seems Holder was kept out of the loop
or so he claimed.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004457941_apholderobama.html?syndication=rss

[ErinBerin84]

3. MSNBC's Pete Williams claims

that the Obama team has been floating the idea to Senate Republicans for the past week to make sure there wouldn't be a huge problem with the confirmation. The pubs said that they will want to ask some questions about the pardon, but they likely wouldn't block the confirmation. Not that I trust Senate Republicans.

[Thrill]

4. If I remember correctly the last time Holder was being questioned about him

The Dems were just as tough on him as the Repukes.