Update: I'm told that the New York Times broke this story at 3:09 p.m. ET today: http://www.nytimes.com/...
An article published just 52 minutes ago on MSNBC.com exposes an explosive new scandal that could have big implications for the presidential race.
Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...
Quote:
WASHINGTON - Government officials handling billions of dollars in oil royalties engaged in illicit sex with employees of energy companies they were dealing with and received numerous gifts from them, federal investigators said Wednesday.
The alleged transgressions involve 13 Interior Department employees in Denver and Washington. Their alleged improprieties include rigging contracts, working part-time as private oil consultants, and having sexual relationships with — and accepting golf and ski trips and dinners from — oil company employees, according to three reports released Wednesday by the Interior Department's inspector general.
I will update as more information comes to light...
Update: Here's a quote from the New York Times article:
The reports portray a dysfunctional organization that has been riddled with conflicts of interest, unprofessional behavior and a free-for-all atmosphere for much of the Bush administration’s watch.
The highest-ranking official criticized in the reports was Lucy Q. Denett, the former associate director of minerals revenue management, who retired earlier this year as the inquiry was progressing.
Bingo. This is all about George Bush's corrupt administration. And John McCain, whether he likes it or not, has been along for the ride these last eight years.
I predict this will be a dagger in the heart of McCain's presidential campaign.
Update 2: I'm told this is now being covered on CNN, MSNBC, etc.!!!
Update 3: Here's the Wall Street Journal, with links to the actual reports: http://online.wsj.com/...
Update 4: Here's a previous diary on this subject that briefly made the rec list and then slipped off: http://www.dailykos.com/... I think this story is too important to ignore. Let's get one of these diaries onto the rec list.