Golf and the GOP

Posted by Michael Link on November 15, 2007 at 09:40 AM

It's yet another investigation into the alleged deals of an Alaska Republican legislator. This time, it's Rep. Don Young involved, and according to "people close to the corruption investigation," they're looking at whether an oil contractor was funneling cash through golf tournaments with cash prizes.

More from the Associated Press:

The case, which surfaced last year as a state bribery investigation, has spread from Alaska to Capitol Hill, where Young and Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens are under scrutiny. [...]

Golf outings have often been used by lobbyists and interest groups to curry favor with lawmakers. Politicians, including Young, also use them as fundraisers.

The events under FBI scrutiny, however, were different. Unlike the dollar-for-dollar accounting of golf fundraisers in Alaska, Washington state and Virginia, the events at the Moose Run Golf Course just outside Anchorage were informal and the prizes were cash. There is no record of them on the campaign or personal financial reports that federal lawmakers are required to file.

For those of you thinking "follow the money," the article states that at a recent trial, defense attorneys "suggested Smith laundered money by cashing golf tournament checks at a bar under what he called a 'phony account.'"

Comments - 4 »

Comments are now closed for this entry.