Posted on 10/31/2008 3:47:35 PM PDT by randita
Chris Dodd Under Investigation for Sweetheart Mortgage Deal
NBC news reports that the Justice Department has begun an investigation into whether Countrywide Financial Corp used the 'Friends of Angelo (Mozilo)' program to buy influence with Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Kent Conrad (D-ND), and others. According to a senior Countrywide official who handled its VIP program, there was no way Dodd and Conrad could not have known they were getting a special deal:
...Feinberg says part of his job was to hammer home to the V.I.P. clients that they were getting special deals.
"You spoke in a manner that was different than you spoke with a regular customer," said Feinberg. "'Your loan has been specially priced by Angelo.' 'You're getting special discounts because you're in the V.I.P. loan department."
So what would a "Friend of Angelo" get that an average customer would not? According to Feinberg, the possible benefits ran the gamut.
"They got a discount on the interest rate," said Feinberg. "They got discounts on their fees. They got a free floatdown option before closing..."
"There were many, many taglines we used to let them know their level of importance to make sure that they understand where they're located," said Feinberg. "And nine times out of ten, once you mention 'V.I.P' the person's gonna ask you 'what am i getting for being in this V.I.P department?' Or 'what am I getting because I know Angelo?' Or 'I talked to Angelo and he said I'm getting this...'"
Feinberg says he's not aware of any discounts linked to favors, but he did see e-mails noting the potential value of the relationships to Countrywide's political and business interests. The e-mails noted one particular client was "of importance to Countrywide." Another encouraged a discount, noting "they are incredibly important to us." Yet another asked that the loan officer, "make an exception" in Countrywide's lending rules, "due to the fact that the borrower is a Senator."
If Dodd and Conrad somehow missed the special treatment they were receiving, Feinberg's testimony suggests that it was only because they chose not to listen. Nevertheless, Dodd is still refusing to release the paperwork related to his loans--information he promised to share weeks ago.
Its about time.Little Chris has some very dirty hands.
I wonder who the “others” are, and if they’re in Congress too.
I've been hoping for years that this corrupt lowlife would make that one misstep that would open the door to an investigation. I'm hoping that Dubya plans to give all these scumbags a DOJ butt reaming as a final FU on his way back to Crawford. That would be sweet.
Even though I am a very optimistic about a huge McCain win I am NEVER optimistic about a member of Congress being convicted of anything. Even the Republicans run to protect their fellow members from any prosecution of any kind. Think William Jefferson.
They know it will force them to uncover their own corrupt activities.
Sadly I do not believe anything will come of this.
I didn’t type that Digg keyword in there. It must have automatically been triggered somehow.
He knows that if 0bama wins, this little problem will go away. He thinks he's above the law just like his daddy...looks like he's right.
ping
Does anyone know the Digg link for this?
Congress has become a corrupt playground. The fact that Barney Frank has not stepped down and is not being investigated is just pathetic. Criminals are running our country and getting away with it. Who calls for investigations? Is it Bush?
All about timing. Right before the election! Sort of like when Foley was going down (no pun intended) for chasing Pages right before the 2006 congressional races
Will the public care? Will the media cover this?
President for Life Idi Amin 0bama will pardon him, Rezko, Frank and any number of DemoRAT do-badders on January 21.
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UNLESS we make sure he goes down in flames next Tuesday.
That apple didn’t fall far from the tree did it?
VERY clever!
Nope and just as rotten.
Thomas Joseph Dodd (1907-1971) — also known as Thomas J. Dodd — of Lebanon, New London County, Conn.; West Hartford, Hartford County, Conn. Born in Norwich, New London County, Conn., May 15, 1907. Son of Thomas J. Dodd and Abigail (O’Sullivan) Dodd; married, May 19, 1934, to Grace Murphy; father of Christopher John Dodd. Lawyer; delegate to Democratic National Convention from Connecticut, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960; U.S. Representative from Connecticut 1st District, 1953-57; U.S. Senator from Connecticut, 1959-71; defeated, 1956 (Democratic), 1970 (Dodd Independent). Catholic. Member, American Bar Association; Elks; Knights of Columbus. Censured by the Senate on June 23, 1967 for financial improprieties, having diverted some $116,000 in campaign and testimonial funds to his own use. Died of a heart attack, in Old Lyme, New London County, Conn., 1971. Interment at St. Michael's New Cemetery, Pawcatuck, Stonington, Conn.
* See also Dodd family of Connecticut
* See also: congressional biography.
Perp walk at 11...
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