Posted on 04/05/2009 6:00:18 AM PDT by smoothsailing
Ex-Pittsburgher in middle of earmark scandal
Prosecutors investigating Paul Magliocchetti's contributions through his lobbying firm, ties to congressmen
Sunday, April 05, 2009
By Dennis B. Roddy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
WASHINGTON -- Those who know him say Paul Magliocchetti cracked the code of the defense earmark: understand the system so well the people in charge turn to you for clarity.
Described as bright, blunt and ambitious, Mr. Magliocchetti left a post as a staff member for the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee more than 20 years ago and set up shop as PMA Group, which became the premier lobbyist for defense firms seeking billions in federal dollars. Last year alone, PMA's clients paid the firm $13.5 million to help them secure hundreds of millions in federal contracts.
"He was a guy who knew how to put the pieces together," says one congressman, a close friend who spoke only on condition of anonymity, worried at the consequences of being tied publicly to a man now at the center of the newest lobbying scandal.
Those pieces fell apart with frightening speed amid a federal investigation that ended Mr. Magliocchetti's career and turned a harsh light on the long-standing practice of steering federal dollars to pet projects, a practice known as earmarks.
Now, with prosecutors investigating Mr. Magliocchetti's political giving, as well as about his connections to various members of Congress, the controversy over earmarks has gathered renewed momentum with Mr. Magliocchetti, a Pittsburgh native, as its focus.
"It seems to me in our system, even Magliocchetti is innocent until he's proven guilty," said Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown. "I don't know the broadness of his contributions. I have no idea. I don't even follow most of the stories....
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
As was I. But the more I think about it, the less surprised I am. Murtha has probably been told to play nice with Magliochetti. If he does anything to upset him, he could be fingered by him.
You could be right about that. Then again PM has to have money coming out his ears and to rat out Fat Jack he'd have to cop a plea bargain which would certainly mean jail time for him. I'm not too sure he'd do that unless the feds absolutely have him nailed to the wall which would be nice if they did.
Remember ABCSAM though, it was Murtha who dropped the dime on other congressmen to save his own hide.
Murtha and Magliochetti go way back, and my guess is they both would turn on each other if it meant self-preservation. No honor among thieves and all of that.
Heh Heh!
I’d sure be nice to see them turn on each other, we could have quite a celebration.
It may not be too long til we find out. :-)
Bump that.
And I’ll bring the wine! And the hats and the noisemakers!!
I was steered on to a good red wine, SFM by CG. :-)
Didn’t the House just vote to put off an ethics investigation on Murtha?
If you enjoy a good table red this is a delight in every imaginable way — the senses and the spiritual and material support of those we love.
What an outstanding, talented, gifted group of men and women we have — did I mention how handsome and lovely they are in uniform (and, in addition, they have a sparkle to their eyes and soul that make them irresistible to all who know them — especially kids and dogs who can recognize a noble spirit when they encounter it). ;-) Semper Fi, my darlings, wherever you are, with hugs and kisses.
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