DeLay’s Prosecutor Offered “Dollars for Dismissals” - How Ronnie Earle works

NRO.com ^ | 9-29-05 | Byron York

[KC_Conspirator]

Its becoming more and more clear that Ronnie Earle ought to be the one in jail.

[EagleUSA]

I certainly hope the libs have really stepped in it this time and that DeLay has the opportunity to counter-sue for malicous harassment.

[The South Texan]

This is even more proof that the Texas Legislature that is supposed to be controlled by the GOP, needs to remove the Texas Public Integrity Unit from the Rat Earle's office to the State AG's Office.

Should have done this the first day they had control in Austin. Again we punt, and they score a cheep TD.

[CGASMIA68]

ping

[thulldud]

Once again, I tell myself, "I'm definitely in the wrong business."

[Young Werther]

Give Earle a Break! He didn't solicit any contributions!

He simply used that old Dimbulb tactic,

EXTORTION!

[TommyDale]

Does anyone else think that Ronnie Earle is also connected to the famous memo that Dan Rather used?

[jwalsh07]

This is almost, but not quite, unbelievable. Ronnie Earle running an extortion racket from the DA's office. LOL

[Peach]

I would venture to guess that Erle is dirtier than anyone he's ever investigated.

[YouPosting2Me]

I know we don't usually bring up the Dixie Chicks but this thread just reminds me of the song 'Goodbye Earl' :)

[dfwgator]

I'm beginning to think the charges against DeLay will be dropped within a few days. Earle miscalculated the MSM big time, thinking they would be completely in his corner.

[veronica]

The lefties at Kos, DU, and Clown Posse are celebrating a bit too early, methinks. :)

[JAWs]

I certainly hope the libs have really stepped in it this time and that DeLay has the opportunity to counter-sue for malicous harassment.

I say when the charges are dismissed, file ethics grivences against him.

[federal]

Does anyone else think that Ronnie Earle is also connected to the famous memo that Dan Rather used?

Well the Travis County democratic party is what brought all of the key players in the TANG documents together. Ronnie Earle is and has been for years a key player in the party. So who knows but it isn't coincidence that both these issues have come out of Travis County......

[wildbill]

I can't think of anything more dangerous to liberty than a district attorney with a political agenda leading a grand jury down the garden path.

[ravingnutter]

Earle needs to be indicted for extortion for this or at the very least barred by the ABA for his actions at the Dem fundraiser since he clearly breached ABA ethics rules by publicly discussing the case and saying he was going to "get" DeLay.

Soon, the headlines should read: Ham Sandwich Bites Earle.

[Mo1]

dropped felony charges against several corporations indicted in the probe in return for the corporations' agreement to make five- and six-figure contributions to one of Earle's pet causes.

Gee .. that sounds like extortion

[areafiftyone]

I think you are right. This morning I was watching Fox and Friends and Judge Andrew Napolitano was on and he was kinda thinking that Earle was a bit nutty in the head.

[Cboldt]

The Cracker Barrel SEC filings are at ...

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067294/000100579405000070/0001005794-05-000070.txt
8-K : Current report, items 8.01 and 9.01 2005-02-02 000-25225

LEBANON TN (February 2, 2005) - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel") announced today that all charges filed by the Travis County, Texas District Attorney against the company regarding a political contribution that was alleged to be illegal have been dismissed.

The dismissal results from an agreement wherein the District Attorney acknowledged that "there was no intent on the part of [Cracker Barrel] to violate any laws." The agreement also stated that Cracker Barrel "has demonstrated to the District Attorney that it has a history of good citizenship and high ethical standards."

"We're pleased with the dismissal of all charges. Since this matter was instituted, we have steadfastly maintained that we had not engaged in any illegal conduct. We believe that this agreement confirms our position," said Cracker Barrel spokesperson Julie Davis. "We're glad to be able to put this matter behind us and move forward," Davis added. In the agreement, which is included in the Company's Form 8-K filed today and available through the Edgar Online website, there is no admission of wrongdoing by the company.

The company said it has reviewed and has adopted additional internal policies designed to reflect and further reinforce its longstanding policy of making only legal political contributions.

In a gesture intended to reinforce its longstanding commitment to good corporate citizenship and proper participation in the political process, the company also agreed that it would make a charitable contribution of $50,000 to support a nonpartisan, balanced and publicly informative program at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas - Austin.