Posted on 11/11/2007 7:24:10 PM PST by SmithL
In a political move right out of "The Godfather," state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata has ordered a hit on a former ally, Republican state Sen. Jeff Denham of Merced.
Armed with $250,000, Perata launched a recall drive aimed at clipping the Central Valley lawmaker's wings just as he was getting set to run for lieutenant governor.
Now, not only is that run in doubt, but Denham is also fighting just to hold onto his seat - all because of his vote against the state budget.
A vote that, in Perata's view, was an opportunistic betrayal.
"It completely redefines the game," Denham said of the Perata attack. "You launch a recall just because you don't like somebody's vote?"
In this case, apparently, yes.
As usual in politics, there's a backstory. In this case, it's the story of two onetime friends.
Perata and Denham worked closely together to help bail out the near-bankrupt Oakland school district, which is in Perata's bailiwick.
"I've even been over to his house for dinner with my wife," Denham said.
"He was a moderate Republican who cared about education," Perata said.
In return, Perata - much to the chagrin of his fellow Democrats - elevated Denham to chairman of the powerful Agriculture Committee, a nice plum for a rising star from the farm belt. He also gave Denham a seat on the Governmental Organization Committee, which oversees legislation dealing with race tracks, card rooms and the liquor industry - all healthy contributors to lawmakers' campaigns.
It all soured over the summer, however, when Denham sided with fellow Republicans to tie up the state budget for weeks.
Denham said he was just doing what was fiscally prudent.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
What Unadulterated Chutzpah.. They don’t call him ‘The Don’ for nothing. Prick.
the fbi’s investigating him.
Given that Schwarzenegger has now warned that the money isn’t coming in and departments should plan to cut back, Denham’s been vindicated. Not that that’s going to stop the recall.
The FBI is investigating him - Denham, or Perata?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Thanks! Paydirt to me is seeing ‘The Don’ and Willie ‘ColdCa$h’ Jefferson in court all next summer.
Jefferson has got to be recipient of the FReezer Burn (literally) AWard for 2007.
They found it yesterday.
Okay, thanks (and thanks for the link, too). Boy, what a scumbag that guy is.
He a pimp! (A little inner-city lingo, there.)
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