SignOn San Diego: One way or another, Duke's Done.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

One way or another, an under-the-table real-estate deal will end his long run in Congress.


Three exit strategies are available to Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the saltiest congressman in North County's history.


1. Cunningham could walk away before his term expires next year, forced out by a transaction that walks – and quacks – like a bribe.


Granted, other congressmen have proven adept at deflecting ethical questions – Texas Rep. Tom DeLay leaps to mind – but Cunningham could opt to flee an inflamed House, especially if the law is closing in.


2. The Vietnam war hero could bow his neck and run for re-election in 2006. If he were to take this path, he would ignominiously lose, either to an ambitious Republican in the primary or to a breathing Democrat in the general election, a result that's almost unthinkable in a red congressional district.

3. Cunningham could bow his neck and plod to the end of this term. He could give a farewell speech, citing his love of God and country and his desire to spend more time with his family. Like an old warrior, he could fade away in Rancho Santa Fe.


As the gravity of his self-inflicted wound sinks in, I wonder if Duke's mind will flash back to his political salad days when he was the All-American jet pilot who could slay giants.

Oh, the irony.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/jenkins/20050616-9999-1mc16jenkins.html

[chaumont58]

1. I just don't think he is toast

To a good percentage of repuke voters, graft is as normal as breath. I think he will run and be reelected. IOKIYAAR didn't come into existence in a vacuum.
Remember, he's keeping 'Mirika safe!