[Fedora]

I'd share your skepticism of Mitchell. Of course it's hard to make a definitive judgement until someone names names. Lyndon Johnson's old group at Brown & Root tried to control state politics by spreading corruption into both parties, so there could be some Republicans involved, but if so I'd be surprised if the Democrats didn't have a major piece of it. If NBC is serious about investigating Texas oilmen, they should start by checking if there's a connection to Lloyd Bentsen:

A Most Favored Corporation

American Council for Capital Formation

The Council's goal is to restructure U.S. tax, regulatory, and environmental policies in a manner that is favorable to capital-intensive industries. Ken Lay was a member of the board of directors. Former Treasury chief and Enron lobbyist Lloyd Bentsen and former Sen. William E. Brock, were also on the board. Former Cabinet members Lloyd Bentsen (also an Enron lobbyist), William E. Brock, George P. Shultz, and former Federal Reserve chairman Paul A. Volcker were also on the board.

And Paul Volcker was appointed to run the UN's internal investigation of its Oil for Food scandal--what a coinkidink, huh?

[piasa]

good catch