FBI Investigates NY Senate Leader

FOX ^ | 12/20/06 | Mark Johnson

[Froufrou]

The majority leader of the New York state Senate announced that the FBI is investigating him and his private consulting business.

Joseph Bruno, who will be the state's top Republican in January, said Tuesday he was told by the FBI in late spring that he was being investigated. The 77-year-old lawmaker said he doesn't know exactly what investigators are looking for, but he has cooperated.

He was told previously that he was not a target of the investigation, but said he wasn't sure if that had changed.

Bruno, who became majority leader in 1994, said he decided to make the announcement after learning news of the investigation had been leaked to reporters.

"I wanted to be up front and assure that I have nothing to hide and avoid speculation, unfounded rumors, and distortions," said Bruno. "There have never been conflicts in anything I have done."

Paul Holstein, an FBI spokesman in Albany, declined to comment on the investigation. A call to the U.S. Attorney's office in Albany was not returned Tuesday.

In New York, lawmakers are technically part-time and many also have private careers, often in business and law. Bruno earns a base salary of $79,500 a year as a senator, but he gets another $41,500 as majority leader.

[lowbridge]

Bruno, the New York Republican legislator, under FBI investigation for corruption... Hevasi, the New York Democrat Attorney General elect, asked to resign or come under investigation for corruption... New Jersey Democrat legislator sentenced the other day for corruption... Anyone notice a pattern with these politicians?

They're all homo sapiens?

[montag813]

The Justice Department is having a field day trying to destroy Republicans and those loyal to America in the past two years. Lewis Libby, Cheney, Rove, Dog Chapman, Curt Weldon, the two Border Patrol agents. Now Bruno. Meanwhile, William Jefferson is headed back to Congress, and what do you want to bet that he will walk.

[conservative in nyc]

in the state senate, which is by region not by population as is the US Senate.

I'm pretty sure that the NYS Senate is apportioned by population these days. The districts have just been gerrymandered so that Republicans win them.

[Froufrou]

"William Jefferson is headed back to Congress, and what do you want to bet that he will walk."

Slick? I agree with your take on it, and I wonder if that's kosher for FBI to not state reason for invasion of privacy...?

[Liz]

If I'm not mistaken---I think Bruno's son was or is involved here somewhere---was or is a registered lobbyist.

[jpl]

Bruno earns a base salary of $79,500 a year as a senator, but he gets another $41,500 as majority leader.

Wow. Now that's what I call a bonus.

[Vaquero]

here is a County by County map of the 2004 presidential election....the colors have been reversed for some reason....anyway it is more appropriate that the Dems are RED, isnt it....

anyway NY by land mass is republican.....

[drjimmy]

anyway NY by land mass is republican.....

NY by land mass was Republican in 2004. It ain't no more.

[tioga]

spitzer was running ads in upstate saying he would cut taxes. Add to that the fact that no one even knew who his opponent was it's no surprise he got elected.