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Norm's sweetheart apartment deal a violation of Senate ethics?
[Updated: see below]
Is Sen. Norm Coleman's (R-MN) sweetheart apartment deal a violation of Senate ethics? Brian Melendez, Chair of the MN DFL, thinks so.
“Senator Coleman’s deal may violate the Senate’s clear ethics rules — and it definitely doesn’t pass the smell test.
“This cozy relationship between a United States senator and one of the most high-powered, well-connected operatives in Washington raises serious questions, not only about Norm Coleman’s ethics, but about his independence as an elected official and a legislator.
“Senator Coleman owes Minnesotans a full accounting of his sweetheart deal and at a minimum must provide a copy of his lease and any other written agreements he has made with Jeff Larson about this peculiar living situation. Minnesotans deserve nothing less.”
(dfl.org)
Here are some of the highlights of Melendez's case against Norm:
- In February 2007, 140 North Carolina Ave. S.E. was placed on the market and listed on the website of Phyllis Jane Young Realty. Included in the listing is “a huge English basement with a media center, office space, gorgeous custom marble and oak bar plus an airy guest bedroom and bath…Simply Divine!” [Phyllis Jane Young Realty]
- Just how did Coleman and [Jeff] Larson arrive at the 600-dollar monthly rent for the huge English basement?
- Did they check comparable listings in the area?
- Norm "implied" he lived in a cramped basement apartment
- A similar 1 bedroom near Norm's apartment lists for $1450/mth
- Norm's campaign and PAC have paid Larson's FLS Connect over $1.5 million.
How will Norm respond?
BTW, Brian ... not to nitpick ... I mean ... you covered nearly everything ... except for Larson's wife works for Norm. That might factor in, too. I'm just sayin' ...
Update
The Minneapolis Star Tribune hid the article on Norm's possible ethics violation on the second to last page of the metro section (B6, I think). Compare this to all the Al Franken articles about Al's taxes and the Playboy kerfluffle that were on the front page of the metro section. Furthermore, Norm's bad news was not even visible on the frontpage of the Strib's website.
Way to bury the story, Strib editors. To have a look for yourself, just click on the screen capture of the Strib from this morning.
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NORM'S GOOD FRIENDS...
HELP. Along with the nice digs in DC other friends have provided Senator Coleman with lovely vacations. Paris with the Mrs., Bahamas with the daughter and International Fall with Pops. (this might has been part of his probation). All vacations were approved by the Senate Ethics Committee under the reported claim of Senator Coleman that they were gifts from "Long Term Friends"(LTF). So, I totally understand that he has done nothing "wrong".
However it does make you (or maybe just me) wonder, WHO ARE THESE FRIENDS? I want names. Why is the press not looking into this- Lordy, I am appalled and jealous. Yes, jealous. I have many LTFs, some are millionaires. They do not pay for my vacations and we take turns buying dinner. However they know much about me, my family our struggles and our victories. So, let's ask Norm a few questions.
Have any of these LTFs......
been to your St. Paul home for a BBQ?
Did they attend your father's funeral?
Do they know your birthday?
Do they know the names of your children, where they went to school, what sports they played or about their latest heartbreak?
Would they be welcomed at your death bed for the final moments?
Does your spouse love them?
or more importantly, Do you love them?
I doubt it because takes being inside a persons heart to be a LTF-not someone's pocket.