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Monday, April 28, 2014

NY Republican Congressman Arrested!

Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY) is under federal indictment for corruption.

Republican Michael Grimm of New York is reportedly surrendering to the FBI today.

According to sources, the embattled politico was under investigation for misuse of campaign fundraising.

Grimm represents Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, including the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and Gravesend. Politically, it is the most conservative district in New York City, the only district in the city which leans towards the Republican Party in national elections, and the only district covering part of the city to be represented by a Republican. The district has significant Jewish, Irish-American, Russian-American, and Italian-American populations.

From 2003-2013, the district was located entirely in Brooklyn, and had a majority African-American population. Most of the old 11th is now the 9th District. Prior to 2013, most of the territory currently in the 11th had been the 13th District.

He is a former FBI agent, businessman, attorney, and U.S. Marine, having served in the Persian Gulf War.

In August 2012, the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said it was investigating Grimm's 2010 campaign. In November 2012, the House Ethics Committee decided to inquire into the campaign but agreed to "defer consideration" of it at the Department of Justice's request.

In January 2014, the FBI arrested Diana Durand on charges that she had illegally donated more than $10,000 to Grimm's 2010 campaign. Durand allegedly gave the campaign $4,800, the legal limit, but then used straw donors to donate more than $10,000 illegally. The FBI also charged Durand with lying to Federal agents about the matter. Grimm denied any wrongdoing.

The investigation, which originally focused on Grimm's 2010 fundraising, branched out to include Grimm's prior business dealings. On April 25, 2014, Grimm's attorney was advised by the U.S. Attorney's office that his client will be indicted on undetermined federal charges concerning a restaurant he had owned prior to running for Congress.

Earlier this year, Grimm threatened a reporter after an interview went bad. The reporter asked Grimm about his federal investigation and that's when the lawmaker went bonkers. He threatened to toss the reporter over the balcony of the U.S. Capitol.

He would later apologize to the reporter.

He, Congressman Vance McAllister (R-LA), along with former Florida Republican lawmaker Trey Radel may have given the Democrats an opening. The Politico have labeled these lawmakers the Bad Boys of Washington.

Could there be more Republicans under investigation?

This could change the outlook of a very nervous Democratic Party. They may suck right now, but at least they have a plan on how to get Americans back to work. Republicans have nothing. They have more enthusiasm and the ability (for now).

Republicans are slated to take back the U.S. Senate if Democrats fail to turnout for the U.S. Midterms.

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