Here’s another fun new dimension to Norm Coleman’s legal adventures — and it’s not directly related to the election contest.
During an interview with MinnPost.com yesterday, Norm was asked whether he’d spoken with the FBI about the Nasser Kazeminy case, which involves allegations that a donor paid a large amount of money to a consulting firm where Coleman’s wife worked, with the aim of funneling the money to Norm himself.
And here’s what happened:
“I can’t say anything,” he said. “We want this matter to be fully reviewed and fully investigated because nothing happened and we are looking forward to that taking place.”
And on that note, we arrived at Coleman’s car and he ended the conversation by turning and putting his hands on my shoulders.“Too many questions,” he said, laughing.
The Democrats are pouncing at this exchange. DSCC spokesman Eric Schultz released this statement:
“If Norm Coleman is going to continue his farfetched legal appeal, the least he can do is answer if the FBI is investigating him,” said DSCC Communications Director Eric Schultz. “It is a yes or no question that Minnesotans deserve an answer to. There are now two executives who have gone under oath – under penalty of perjury – affirming the criminal conspiracy to funnel $100,000 to a sitting U.S. Senator from one of his top donors. Norm dodged the question before the election – but he ought to fess up now.”
And Minnesota DFL Party chairman Brian Melendez released a statement:
“Former Senator Coleman can’t hide — at least not for long — an investigation by the FBI into his conduct. Minnesotans deserve a straight “yes” or “no” answer to the question: Is the FBI investigating you?
“These serious allegations demand transparency and full disclosure. A shrug and a smile simply won’t cut it. As Coleman seeks to continue to appeal in the courts the election of Al Franken as senator, the least that he can do is tell the truth.
“As the process unfolds, the evidence keeps stacking up against him. At least two high-level executives have now testified, under oath, that there was indeed a conspiracy to funnel $100,000 to a sitting U.S. Senator by one of his top donors. What we don’t know is whether Coleman is cooperating with the investigation or not. I call on him to tell us now.”
