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Thou dost protest too much.
Author: Raine    Date: 04/12/2013 14:52:54

Earlier in the week, David Corn and Mother Jones magazine published an article revealing a strategy session regarding the possibility of campaigning against Democratic activist Ashley Judd.
"They want to fight? We're ready," he declared. McConnell was serious: Later that day, he was huddling with aides in a private meeting to discuss how to attack his possible Democratic foes, including actor/activist Ashley Judd, who was then contemplating challenging the minority leader. During this strategy session—a recording of which was obtained by Mother Jones—McConnell and his aides considered assaulting Judd for her past struggles with depression and for her religious views.
Typically, the McConnell campaign cried victim and ran to the FBI
"Senator McConnell's campaign is working with the FBI and has notified the local U.S. Attorney in Louisville, per FBI request, about these recordings. Obviously a recording device of some kind was placed in Senator McConnell's campaign office without consent. By whom and how that was accomplished presumably will be the subject of a criminal investigation," said campaign manager Jesse Benton in a statement. "We've always said the Left would stop at nothing to attack Sen. McConnell, but Watergate-style tactics to bug campaign headquarters are above and beyond."

The FBI field office in Louisville had no comment, and the U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a message.

Interesting trivia: Jesse Benton is married to Ron Paul's granddaughter, making her the niece of Sen. Rand Paul and according to Mother Jones, "was hired last year by McConnell to run his reelection effort. Three years ago, Benton worked on Rand Paul's successful tea-party-driven Senate primary campaign against a GOP establishment candidate handpicked by McConnell."

Yesterday we found out the sources of the recording. From Louisville NPR station, WFPL
On Feb. 2, McConnell opened his campaign headquarters in the Watterson Office Park in Louisville and invited trusted GOP activists and select media outlets to an open house. The event lasted roughly two hours. Afterward, McConnell and several campaign advisors held a strategy session in an office meeting room.

Morrison and Reilly did not attend the open house, but they told Conway they arrived later and were able to hear the meeting from the hallway. (snip)

Kentucky law says it is a felony “to overhear, record amplify or transmit any part of a wire or oral communication of others without the consent of at least one party thereto by means of any electric, mechanical or other device."

But if the conversation was audible from a hallway, it's disputable whether recording qualifies as eavesdropping.
The people who made the recording were part of a Super PAC called Progress Kentucky, and that means it was not the Democratic party, as was alluded to by the McConnell campaign.

At this point, is is fair to say that this probably wasn't some kind of Watergate-style tactic, but rather very sloppy, strategery on the part of the campaign itself. The McConnell campaign representative responded:
"WFPL's reports that left-wing activists illegally recorded a private meeting inside our campaign headquarters are very disturbing," says McConnell campaign manager Jesse Benton. "At this point, we understand that the FBI is immersed in an intensive criminal investigation and must defer any further comment to them."

It was the McConnell campaign that called the FBI and the U.S. Attorney office. They are raising holy hell over this tape being made public.

It's understandable that a political campaign is upset that its strategy session was opened up to the prying eyes of the public. This is the secret dirty work of politics: opposition research. It was such research that brought us the now famous 47% recording. We live in a digital age and it is getting harder to keep some of these unsavory things behind closed doors. McConnell is entering murky waters if he is going to approach this alleged 'campaign bugging' as illegal. It may not really be eavesdropping if something can beard in a hallway and a person is actually present to record. That person could be considered a consenting party.

Here is where things might go awry to the very very outraged and violated McConnell campaign. They may have broken federal laws. CREW has filed an ethics complaint.
Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asked the FBI and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate whether Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) violated federal law and Senate rules by misusing Senate staff or resources to conduct opposition research on potential campaign opponents. (snip)

“Using taxpayer-funded resources to pay staffers to dig up dirt on political opponents isn’t just an ethics violation, it’s a federal crime,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan. “As Sen. McConnell requested, the FBI is investigating the recording. A thorough and fair investigation necessitates the bureau also inquire into whether Sen. McConnell himself violated the law.” (snip)

In the recording, an unnamed presenter thanked the individuals who conducted the research, including “LAs,” an acronym for legislative assistant or legislative aide. The presenter specifically names Phil Maxson, who has been employed as a legislative aide in Sen. McConnell’s office since early 2011, and appears to refer to the senator’s chief of staff, Josh Holmes. Reports filed with the Federal Election Commission show neither man has been paid by Sen. McConnell’s campaign committee or leadership PAC.
It appears the McConnell campaign, led at the helm by tea-bagging enthusiast Jesse Benton may have shot themselves in the proverbial foot. In their haste to try to paint someone who wasn't ever officially a candidate with a smear brush, they appear to have proven exactly how bad they are at following law.

Let's hope the McConnell keeps yelling. The louder they scream victim, the more we will will see how they are the actual abuser.

and
Raine

Also possibly related: Matt Bevin, mentioned in some circles as a Tea Party Primary challenger to Senator McConnell appears to be faced with an un-sourced controversy. Is this another result of the McConnell strategy?
“McConnell has always been a master of making whatever race he’s in a race about the opponent and not himself.”

 

58 comments (Latest Comment: 04/12/2013 23:27:34 by Raine)
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Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 13:09:20
Morning


Glee made me last night.

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 13:17:18
Morning, comrades!

Well, I just paid for my CPR class (Monday evening) so I can get re-certified and get back on the pond this summer. (Last season sucked. :-) )

And I have re-discovered some old allies online from my peak micronational days over a decade ago now. The Empire of Tebeakesse will soon be emerging from a long dormancy.

Oh, and the RI Airshow was just officially cancelled. Apparently there is a right-wing meme out there that it's OK for the President to take "multi-million dollar vacations that cost more than an airshow" while the folks in the trenches suffer.

(This from less than 5 minutes on Facebook this morning. Don't miss that at all.)


Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 13:18:11
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning


Glee made me last night.
Oh, I am gonna watch it tonite.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 13:20:09
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning


Glee made me last night.
Oh, I am gonna watch it tonite.



I thought it was their best epi this season.

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 13:20:34
But wait, there's more!

The good Dr. Maddow almost made me do this with that story about the accidental camel stew last night.

http://bdnpull.bangorpublishing.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/rollover082712.jpg


And finally, I'm meeting with Councilor Tom Stanley later this month to see what I can do for his campaign. This is driving my decision not to run myself this year. My goal is 2015 now.


Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 13:26:55
I only had three wisdom teeth?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 13:35:50
Quote by Mondobubba:
I only had three wisdom teeth?



2 of mine grew sideways.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 13:36:33
John Hamm was hilariously dead pan on last night's "Archer." He was Capt. Murphy of wait for it...












SEA LAB!

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 13:37:42
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
I only had three wisdom teeth?



2 of mine grew sideways.



Pish tosh! very common. Only having three, not very common. I am a mutant, but not an X-Man level mutant.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 13:39:56
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
I only had three wisdom teeth?



2 of mine grew sideways.



Pish tosh! very common. Only having three, not very common. I am a mutant, but not an X-Man level mutant.


how is that a mutant power?

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 13:46:20
Quote by wickedpam:

how is that a mutant power?


It's the Crossbite of Death!



Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 13:49:00
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by wickedpam:

how is that a mutant power?


It's the Crossbite of Death!






Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 14:08:57
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
I only had three wisdom teeth?



2 of mine grew sideways.



Pish tosh! very common. Only having three, not very common. I am a mutant, but not an X-Man level mutant.


how is that a mutant power?


I didn't say it was a mutant power, I said I was a mutant.

But I like the Cross bite of Death. But not as much as like the raptorial appendages on the the mantis shrimp.


Said appendage

Comment by Scoopster on 04/12/2013 14:11:42
Mornin' all & HAPPY FRIDEE!!!!

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
I only had three wisdom teeth?

2 of mine grew sideways.

Pish tosh! very common. Only having three, not very common. I am a mutant, but not an X-Man level mutant.

I didn't get my 4th one until a couple years ago, and it grew in very slowly and sideways. It's since turned itself the right way, in the process causing the one next to it to become a bit misaligned.

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 14:15:23
Quote by Mondobubba:


I didn't say it was a mutant power, I said I was a mutant.

But I like the Cross bite of Death. But not as much as like the raptorial appendages on the the mantis shrimp.


Said appendage


Yeah, but does it make a tasty Scampi?


Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 14:20:53
More on the raptorial appendages of the mantis shirmp.

The more I read the more I fall in love with these critters. Thanks, The Oatmeal Guy!

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 14:21:34
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:


I didn't say it was a mutant power, I said I was a mutant.

But I like the Cross bite of Death. But not as much as like the raptorial appendages on the the mantis shrimp.


Said appendage


Yeah, but does it make a tasty Scampi?



Yes they are edible! AND DEADLY! ONETWOTHREEDEATH!

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 14:25:56
Isn't that the "Muhammad Ali Shrimp" with the claw, and the shockwave and the flaven?



Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 14:29:17
I love Duck Dynasty - they actually run a mulit-million dollar business that makes duck calls and hunt duck(and other stuff).

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 14:46:48
Quote by TriSec:
Isn't that the "Muhammad Ali Shrimp" with the claw, and the shockwave and the flaven?



The comic that started my obssession

Comment by BobR on 04/12/2013 14:50:47
Quote by TriSec:
Isn't that the "Muhammad Ali Shrimp" with the claw, and the shockwave and the flaven?

yes it is. Don't encourage him.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 14:59:54
Great blog, Raine. I will try to leave my comments on the mantis shrimp to a minimum.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 15:05:14
Quote by BobR:
Quote by TriSec:
Isn't that the "Muhammad Ali Shrimp" with the claw, and the shockwave and the flaven?

yes it is. Don't encourage him.



Sorry, Bobber you're too late.

Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 15:24:05
Blog is up, and I added a little link at the end.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/12/2013 15:31:08
Mitch McConnell needs a good challenger. I think that CREW makes a good argument but I doubt that there will be any investigation.

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 15:31:25
All this talk about shrimp makes me want an early lunch.



Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 16:20:26
Shrimp killt blog, long live shrimp.


Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 16:35:32
Quote by Raine:
Shrimp killt blog, long live shrimp.



Not just shrimp, killer shrimp!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 16:39:42
still working my way out

Comment by livingonli on 04/12/2013 16:48:14
Good day, everyone. It's feeling like that kind of day.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 17:05:59
http://images.gizmag.com/hero/mantis_shrimp_body_armor-7.jpg


These things are freaking beautiful to look at!

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 17:27:49
I feel like rousing some rabble. Or, I feel a need. A need for Screed!



Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 17:40:33
I see daylight!

Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 17:56:49
Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 18:02:57
woohoo set up our reservations for a mini getaway to Charles Town

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 18:14:01
I've just had a series of negative brain functions. That's usually a good indicator that the amount of caffeine in my bloodstream has dropped below the threshold level.



Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/12/2013 18:22:46
Quote by Raine:
RIP Jonathan Winters.



May he rest in peace. I remember him appearing on television a lot when I was young.

Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 18:24:27
Comment by Raine on 04/12/2013 18:25:04
Quote by wickedpam:
woohoo set up our reservations for a mini getaway to Charles Town
Nice! when you going?


Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 18:38:50
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
woohoo set up our reservations for a mini getaway to Charles Town
Nice! when you going?


next Friday after mom's dentist appointment - we'll be back Sunday


Comment by wickedpam on 04/12/2013 18:41:28



really
Isn't that like tradition when attending any large arena event?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/12/2013 18:47:55
Quote by wickedpam:



really
Isn't that like tradition when attending any large arena event?



I guess we should just expect the fans to sit there quietly. Honestly, aren't there a few THOUSAND other more meaningful issues that the petition organizers could address?

Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 18:55:44
We generally don't do the wave at Fenway.

But then again, take a look at the plan - it's not a circular park. It tends to go around once and die at the wall.




Comment by BobR on 04/12/2013 18:59:33
Quote by TriSec:
We generally don't do the wave at Fenway.

But then again, take a look at the plan - it's not a circular park. It tends to go around once and die at the wall.

I've always thought the wave was stupid. It's particularly annoying when some dipshit tries to start one during a tense moment in a game... not that I go to games very often.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 19:02:56


People still do that? Really?


Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/12/2013 19:10:27
On a lighter note than baseball controversies, I applied to nine different teaching jobs in the Bay State today. I have more to check on later.

So, if I do move out East, I may need a new handle -- and advice.

Comment by Mondobubba on 04/12/2013 19:24:29
Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 19:36:35
Quote by Will in Chicago:
On a lighter note than baseball controversies, I applied to nine different teaching jobs in the Bay State today. I have more to check on later.

So, if I do move out East, I may need a new handle -- and advice.


You'll find that my liaison services are quite reasonably priced.


Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 19:50:11
Of course, like everything else good and true about these United States, there's a Boston origin for The Wave, too.


The origin of the wave is one of the great unknowns remaining in sports, and it may not even have started with baseball. However, the folks at Fenway Park seem to enjoy their version of the story.

According to them, the wave owes its existence to a section of tightly packed seats behind home plate at Fenway Park. These seats are so close together (yes, they’re still there) that whenever a fan had to stand up to, say, get a beer, everyone else in the row also had to stand. The fans in the next row, frustrated that they couldn’t see the game anymore, also got up. This created a domino effect with the entire section rising in rhythmic unison.

Thus, the wave was born.

Believe it if you want to, but there are certainly more far-fetched stories out there.


But as I hate the thing, I'll throw the first brick.




Comment by TriSec on 04/12/2013 20:03:33
Texas makes my head explode.


Yesterday, US Rep Steve Stockman (R-TX) revealed his true superiority and knack for political campaigning by releasing a bumper sticker featuring the slogan, "If babies had guns they wouldn't be aborted."