Free Republic

Over the past decade, state Senator Don Perata has come to be known as "The Teflon Don," based upon his ability to weather criticism of questionable financial transactions without anything sticking to him. Time after time, Perata has emerged from controversy stronger than ever. He is the unquestioned leader of Oakland's Democratic political machine, and is weeks away from taking over as president of the California Senate. But now, sources say, the Teflon may be starting to show some deep scratches. The FBI is reportedly targeting Perata in a federal grand jury investigation that focuses on an influential Oakland lobbyist...