Following up on the post below about Duke Cunningham’s escapades while on the House intelligence committee (as opposed to his better known misdeeds as a member of the Appropriations Committee), pay special attention to this remark from Intel Chair Pete Hoekstra:
Hoekstra said [investigator] Stern, as a final step, wants to interview Cunningham in prison to find out more about how he influenced the system. The Justice Department is resisting because it has other potential prosecutions pending in the case, so Hoekstra is considering subpoenaing the former lawmaker.
Let’s see. Major federal investigation into public corruption. GOP lawmakers and lobbyists top the list of targets. Feds want the Intel Committee to leave one of their important witnesses alone. GOP chairman considers issuing subpoena to the imprisoned Cunningham anyway.
I’m not saying Hoekstra is using his committee to impede a federal investigation, but I’m reminded of the John Poinxdexter conviction in Iran-Contra, which was thrown out on appeal due to the concurrent congressional investigation.
