Randy Cunningham's Bribery & Scandal: Reaction & Opinions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the admissions of Randy Cunningham regarding his involvement in bribery and scandal related to a home sale, exploring the implications of his actions and the broader context of political corruption. Participants express their reactions and opinions, reflecting on Cunningham's background and the political landscape in San Diego.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise and disappointment at Cunningham's actions, viewing him as a childhood hero whose fall from grace is shocking.
  • Others argue that Cunningham's choices reflect personal failings rather than a broader Republican issue, suggesting that both parties have had their share of corruption.
  • There is speculation about Cunningham's motivations, with some attributing his actions to greed or poor judgment, while others suggest he may have felt entitled due to his position.
  • Participants discuss the nature of the bribes, noting the various forms they took, including cash and gifts, and question the implications of campaign finance in his actions.
  • Some express concern about the culture of corruption in politics, suggesting that power can lead to unethical behavior regardless of party affiliation.
  • A few participants reference the potential for further revelations regarding Cunningham's dealings and the defense contracting industry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of Cunningham's actions or the broader political context. There are competing views on whether his behavior is indicative of a systemic issue within the Republican party or a personal failure.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with Cunningham's political history and the specifics of his scandal, which may influence their opinions. The discussion includes references to campaign finance and the defense industry, but lacks detailed analysis of these topics.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in political ethics, corruption in government, or the dynamics of party politics may find this discussion relevant.

FredGarvin
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With all the Democrat vs. Republican crap aside, was anyone else surprised as I was to hear the admissions of Randy Cunningham about his bribes and scandle regarding a home sale? I have to say that it is not very often that one sees a childhood hero shot down (pardon the pun) in such a horrible fashion. It felt like someone kicked me in the stomach when I saw the news footage. Granted, I don't live in California so I am not too privy to his dealings locally. He may have been a horrible congressman, I don't know. He has managed to keep getting reelected so that must count for something. I used to read all the time about him, Willy Driscoll, Robin Olds, Steve Ritchie and a bunch of F-4 drivers from that era.

Any opinions (I'm sure there are plenty)?
 
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I was going to post something about this, since I come to San Diego several times a year and I heard about this since last year. It is indeed sad.

I just can't imagine what this guy was thinking. It was so blatant.

Politicians are looking for money for their campaigns, and some seem too vulnerable. I also do not think one needs to emphasize the fact the Cunningham is Republican. Cunningham made some bad personal choices, and perhaps it is simply a matter of succumbing to temptation.

I also don't think that Democrats need to be publicizing a Republican culture of corruption, which I have heard mention. For one the Democrats need to get their house in order, and for another, I don't believe Cunningham's activities reflect the character of the vast majority of Republicans.

In San Diego, 7 Republicans and only 1 Democrat have put their names forward for the next primary.
 
Blatant is not the word I would use. Just plain stupid.

The case began when authorities started investigating Cunningham's sale of his Del Mar house to defense contractor Mitchell Wade for $1,675,000. Wade sold the house nearly a year later for $975,000 — a loss of $700,000 in a hot real estate market.

I am scratching my head at the reasoning behind this all. Was it money for campaign finance? Was it just plain greed? It seems more like greed to me.

It also looks like there will be more surprises to come:
In the plea, Cunningham, 63, acknowledged working with four co-conspirators to take bribes from defense contractors and others. Prosecutors said the bribes were paid in a variety of forms, including checks totaling more than $1 million, cash, antiques, rugs, furniture, yacht club fees and vacations.
 
He lost his way in the culture of corruption.

The Republicans were drunk on power and thought they could get away with anything. Democrats did the same when they had the House and Senate. One reason I like to see power balanced between the parties.

Although Cunningham engaging in war profiteering is just despicable. You would think that someone with a military background would have better judgment.

At least he was man enough to admit it publicly. Tom Delay, I am sure will go down proclaiming himself the victim of partisan politics.
 
FredGarvin said:
Blatant is not the word I would use. Just plain stupid.
I am scratching my head at the reasoning behind this all. Was it money for campaign finance? Was it just plain greed? It seems more like greed to me.
It also looks like there will be more surprises to come:
I think it was some smooth talking by people with lots of money. I am sure that the contractors convinced Cunningham that he was entitled to some share for his hard work. There are millions or billions of dollars at stake in defense contracts.

The money went to Cunningham directly, not to his campaign. Cunningham has his own company, Top Gun Enterprises Inc., and apparently he laundered money through his company. His campaign did receive direct contributions, but most of the $2.4 million went directly to Cunningham. Here is some background - http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/06/26/news/top_stories/22_59_066_25_05.txt

Perhaps arrogant would be a better term than blatant, or perhpas Fred you're right, it was just plain stupid.
 
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Here is a video link to his statement.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/11/28.html#a6094
 
That Times article had some disturbing stuff in it. Anytime I see "defense" and "Saudi Arabia" in the same paragraph I get nervous.

I guess the age old saying holds; Power corrupts.
 
FredGarvin said:
With all the Democrat vs. Republican crap aside, was anyone else surprised as I was to hear the admissions of Randy Cunningham about his bribes and scandle regarding a home sale? I have to say that it is not very often that one sees a childhood hero shot down (pardon the pun) in such a horrible fashion. It felt like someone kicked me in the stomach when I saw the news footage.
That's "Duke" Cunningham? Ugh, you just ruined my whole day.
 
No surprise. Military service and political service are two different worlds. One has nothing to do with the other less the advantage come election time. Today he's just another corrupt politician.
 

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