Don Young Pig Party Tonight!Alas, it looks like my invitation to the annual pig roast held in honor of Rep. Don Young (R-AK) got lost in the mail. The pork gala, which is just a few hours away, is usually hosted by former Veco CEO Bill Allen, but he’s bowed out since pleading guilty to federal bribery charges and agreeing to cooperate in the federal criminal investigation of Young and other lawmakers.
But no worry — the pork, and the fundraising, go on. Former Alaska Gov. Bill Sheffield will play host instead, with special guests Sens. Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) making appearances.
The event itself, which sent out colorful invitations in years past, has caught the eye of federal investigators, who are looking into Young’s dealings with Allen and Veco. In the last ten years, Young has received at least $157,000 from VECO employees and its political-action committee. Guests at this year’s pig party have been asked to contribute $250 to $1,000 (and $500-$5,000 if you’re a PAC).
Even though I got the cold shoulder from Young’s party planner, an email did show up today in my in-box about a protest planned for outside the roast.
Lifelong Alaskan and retired commercial fisherman John Farleigh is organizing the insurrection. He said he’ll call it a success if 15 others come and wildly successful if 30 people make it.
Farleigh said he is not a Republican or a Democrat and didn’t work with any political party to organize the protest. He’s just one man who has had it with his federal lawmakers who, in his view, have benefited personally while in office and given special deals to friends and contributors.
“[Young] is the caricature of what is wrong with Congress,” Farleigh said. “Earmark is his middle name.”
We’ll let you know how it all goes.
