| Here's a roundup of the latest Brunogate coverage from around the Empire State.
More Records Subpoenaed in Bruno Case (NY Times)
Federal authorities issued subpoenas on Wednesday to Evident Technologies as part of their investigation, the company's chief executive said. The executive, Clinton Ballinger, would say little about the inquiry, but acknowledged that investigators were looking into records involving Jared Abbruzzese, a former Evident director who is an investor in a group seeking control of New York's horse-racing franchise.
Federal agents have subpoenaed records from the state lobbying commission, which has been investigating Mr. Bruno's relationship with Mr. Abbruzzese, two government officials who have been briefed on the subpoena revealed on Thursday. Those officials said the commission received the subpoena about seven months ago, around the time Mr. Bruno has said he first learned that the F.B.I. was investigating his outside consulting work. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.
Whew! Good thing Bruno doesn't have any "personal ties" to Evident Technologies and stuff.
Feds follow cash trail. (Albany Times Union)
Authorities examine whether payments to Bruno's consulting firm were bid to gain influence
A federal grand jury investigation of Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno is focusing on hundreds of thousands of dollars funneled by a wealthy businessman into the senator's private consulting company to allegedly influence the powerful Republican lawmaker, the Times Union has learned.
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E. Stewart Jones, an attorney for Abbruzzese and his wife, Sherrie, confirmed Thursday that Abbruzzese paid money to Bruno's consulting company. Bruno has refused to reveal his consulting clients or his consulting income.
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Federal authorities are examining whether mail fraud or money laundering statutes were violated in connection with the business relationship, according to a source familiar with the case.
A provision under federal fraud statutes makes it a crime for a public official or others to "defraud another of the intangible right of honest services." The statute was invoked to prosecute Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty last January to corruptly providing things of value to public officials, including trips, campaign contributions, and meals and entertainment in order to gain their political influence for clients.
Sounds like Joe just might be on the "naughty" list this year...
Doubt cast on Bruno's leadership. (Albany Times Union)
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's hold on his leadership post may be slipping.
Privately, Senate officials are beginning to discuss the possibility of a different leader Jan. 3, when the vote on the powerful, $121,000-a-year post is scheduled.
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Friends of Bruno said Bonacic's outburst was outrageous and tied to his friendship with Sen. Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, a front-runner to succeed Bruno.
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Insiders say Skelos might have a substantial number of votes in the Republican conference to oust Bruno. But such a bid could be difficult, GOP insiders say. Bruno's hand-picked leader of the state Republican Party is Joseph Mondello, the Nassau County GOP boss. Upstate senators and county chairmen could resent having two key party leaders based out of Nassau County.
(--Emphasis mine)
Pol wants Bruno gone (Newsday)
Step aside, Joe, says party guy and Joe Bruno, mystery man (NY Daily News)
What a way to start the day. Lotsa juicy stuff this morning! Did I miss anything? |
