Ominously For Ensign, Probe's Focus Appears To Shift To Possible Quid Pro Quo

[babylonsister]

Couldn't happen to a nicer feller. And it's about time justice was served. :popcorn:

Ominously For Ensign, Probe's Focus Appears To Shift To Possible Quid Pro Quo
Zachary Roth | March 19, 2010, 3:49PM


Buried under the pile of details that have emerged in the last 48 hours on the John Ensign investigation is one crucial over-arching development: The federal probe into the matter appears to have expanded, and shifted its focus in a way that may could make it an even graver threat to the Nevada senator than before.

In a nutshell: The Justice Department investigation began as an inquiry into whether Ensign flouted a lobbying ban by trying to help Doug Hampton get a lobbying job after Hampton left Ensign's office, and by directing his staff to work with Hampton once he was set up as a lobbyist. But now, it seems, investigators have also moved beyond Hampton, to consider whether the senator illegally tied legislative favors to contributions to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which he chaired.

To be sure, a breach of lobbying rules, as may have occurred here, would be significant. But a direct quid pro quo involving Ensign -- who continues to maintain that he has done nothing illegal -- would potentially constitute far more serious wrong-doing.

What's the evidence that the Feds have shifted their focus?

KLAS-TV reported yesterday that among the issues the Justice Department is looking at is the relationship between Ensign and eCommLink, a Las Vegas credit card company. The firm and several other local credit card firms, KLAS reported, had recently lost out on a bid for a federal contract, and wanted to boost their influence in Washington. Ensign's office reportedly told the companies about proposed new credit card regulations that would hurt the industry, and said it would fight the proposals in exchange for a $28,000 contribution to the NRSC, which eCommLink gave. (Could those regulations be these?)

more...

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/ominously_for_ensign_probes_focus_appears_to_shift.php?ref=fpb

[malaise]

1. Thanks for this link

Missed it.

[babylonsister]

2. You're welcome! I just read somewhere

(you!) that Rachel is covering this tonight. I'm glad someone is highlighting this scumbucket. :hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Ensign is one of the more deserving of a nice intrusive investigation

[babylonsister]

4. Absolutely, and he has been for awhile. This just proves that

the wheels of justice grind slowly, but sometimes it's worth the wait! :D

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. Why is the so-called liberal media ignoring this?

'Cause it isn't liberal?

[Catshrink]

6. Rachel just did a great segment on it.

[Mike 03]

7. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this info. It is much appreciated. NT.

[gateley]

9. Hey!

:hi:

[Mike 03]

8. Rec this post.

This guy was a key player on the Senate Finance Committee during the two week markup. So, he must have had other things on his mind.

[UTUSN]

10. Rec for, can something MORE "ominous" happen to ENSIGN?!1 n/t