I'm not suggesting there's anything untoward about this. Corruption is corruption, and I don't care whether it's Republicans or Democrats, it should be rooted out. That said, Chris Christie, who was the Bush appointed US Attorney until last Christmas, now has a feather in his cap:
NEWARK -- N.J. Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt and the mayors of Hoboken and Secaucus are among roughly 30 people arrested this morning in a federal corruption and money laundering probe that originated in the Syrian Jewish communities in Deal and Brooklyn.
Additional New Jersey politicians arrested include Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano, Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, Jersey City Council President Mariano Vega and Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, all Democrats.
Ven Pelt is a Republican, but the others, including the former mayor of Bayonne, are Democrats. The allegation?
The arrests are the result of a two-year FBI and IRS probe that began with an investigation of money transfers by members of the Syrian enclaves in New York and New Jersey.
There's nothing good about this story. The allegations, if true, involved two callings we expect (or at least should expect): politicians and religious leaders. I don't care what party these guys are in, this is disappointing pure and simple.
These obviously are just allegations, and of course, all these people are presumed innocent. But I doubt this can be resolved by November. In the meantime, Gov. Corzine's opponent who, sadly, is already well ahead in the polls, now has a high profile issue he can use to partisan advantage.
I'll try not to be cynical about this. For one, I have too much respect (generally) for law enforcement. Also, though this started in the Bush administration, I highly doubt there was representatives of the Jewish community.