Yesterday, a DHS official said in a congressional hearing that they had “no record” of any letter from felonious former congressman Duke Cunningham recommending Shirlington Limousine.
That’s the company whose owner allegedly ferried around Cunningham and his prostitutes. So Duke clearly knew of what he wrote.
But today, the Washington Post says that DHS turned over to House investigators an email dated April 20, 2004, from Shirlington Limo which makes reference to its letter of recomendation from Duke. Shirlington was reminding DHS that it had included Duke’s letter with their proposal.
But here’s the kicker: Even though DHS had not awarded the contract to Shirlington by April 20, the company asked for an advance on its payment for the deal.
Now what would give a fellow the sense he’s entitled to a cash advance on a deal that hasn’t been signed yet?
Some people have done the math in their heads, and think these details don’t add up: Rep. Peter King (R-NY) believes that DHS Secretary Mike Chertoff himself knew of Duke’s letter, but has lied to King and King’s committee, which is investigating the deal. “It’s disgraceful that Secretary Chertoff wouldn’t tell us he knew Cunningham’s role and the owner’s criminal record,” ABC News quoted King as saying at the hearing. “This is one reason Secretary Chertoff and DHS have a disgraceful record.”
