Update: Dems - Dangerous On National Security

This may get much worse for Jane Harman:

Did a Democratic member of Congress improperly enlist the support of a major pro-Israel lobbying group to try to win a top committee assignment? That's the question at the heart of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors, who are examining whether Rep. Jane Harman of California and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) may have violated the law in a scheme to get Harman reappointed as the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, according to knowledgeable sources in and out of the U.S. government.

The sources tell TIME that the investigation by Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has simmered out of sight since about the middle of last year, is examining whether Harman and AIPAC arranged for wealthy supporters to lobby House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi on Harman's behalf. Harman said Thursday in a voicemail message that any investigation of — or allegation of improper conduct by — her would be "irresponsible, laughable and scurrilous." On Friday, Washington GOP super lawyer Ted Olson left voicemail messages underscoring that Harman has no knowledge of any investigation. "Congresswoman Harman has asked me to follow up on calls you've had," Olson said. "She is not aware of any such investigation, does not believe that it is occurring, and wanted to make sure that you and your editors knew that as far as she knows, that's not true... . No one from the Justice Department has contacted her." It is not, however, a given that Harman would know that she is under investigation. In a follow-up phone call from California, Olson said Harman hired him this morning because she takes seriously the possibility of a media report about an investigation of her, even though she does not believe it herself.

As I just finished saying, in part, the NIE leak is going ot be in the news - not Foley, or Weldon. And here's why - read all about it.

National Security Leaker - UPDATE - Identified as Larry Hanauer, hired by Jane Harman, Democrat House Intel. Com. Minority Leader

The unidentified staff member is Larry Hanauer, FOX News learned Friday. Chairman Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., suspended Hanauer earlier this week and won't allow him access to classified information until a review can be completed, said Jamal Ware, Hoekstra's spokesman.

Comments

[Phoenix]

" It is not, however, a given that Harman would know that she is under investigation. In a follow-up phone call from California, Olson said Harman hired him this morning because she takes seriously the possibility of a media report about an investigation of her, even though she does not believe it herself."

This is as clear as mud. Just like the entire paragraph supporting it. DUH.

[Ric Locke]

"This is as clear as mud. Just like the entire paragraph supporting it."

It isn't supposed to be clear, Phoenix. The writer is a TIME staffer trying desperately to avoid admitting that they're going to be forced to put a Democrat under the inverted-justice system they normally reserve for Republicans -- XX is "being investigated" for some heinous offense; when XX complains, the response is wide-eyed innocence. "Nobody's being accused of anything here, it's only an investigation." Meanwhile the investigation and associated accusations fill the airwaves and cover the newsprint, repeated and trumpeted until everyone's aware of it. The eventual exoneration gets half a column inch on Page 34 and doesn't make the teevee at all.

Now Harmon gets it, and doesn't like it. The only more deserving person it could happen to is Pelosi.

Regards,
Ric

[JeremyR]

Do you seriously think a democratic scandal on intelligence would push out the Foley-mania in the media? Not even on Fox.

Maybe if a Dem got attacked by a sting ray, maybe.

[DukeofDeLand]

Remember, a recent poll already shows only 25% of potential voters consider the Foley event to have any impact on their vote. That was actually about a week ago. By election day it will impact almost no one.

Duke

[Phoenix]

"Maybe if a Dem got attacked by a sting ray, maybe." ha ha ha..... That's good.

Ric,

Thanks. Yes, I know...hence the 'DUH'. I hate stuff like that - just like using passive voice.

[Muslihoon]

Why would AIPAC lobby on behalf of a Democrat? Is there something special about Harman that AIPAC could gain by having her in that position?

The leaker, if he is a leaker, ought to be tried and sentenced to set an example to all in the government. Such leaking - especially when he must have signed a confidentiality agreement - is utterly unacceptable.

Both pieces of news do not please me at all, although I am glad the leaker got caught. I usually support AIPAC, but not this time.

[IBM]

"Confidentiality agreement"? The NIE leak doesn't involve confidential material, it involves national secrets. Its the sort of thing that would get you or I sent to Club Fed in an instant. This assclown must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the reporter who accepted the material put in an adjoining cell. If it takes down Jane Harman so much the better.

[clarice]

Read something last night--I think on MSNBC--that quoted an FBI source as saying they looked into the AIPAC charge and found nothing there.
BTW you do know Soros hates AIPAC and is setting up a counter organization with such folks as Morton Halperin at the helm.

Let me suggest that one of his other orgs--say CREW--made this baseless charge to the FBI and then reported to their flunkies at the Nation that the FBI was investigating it.
How easy it is to smear people when you have a complicit press and stupid readers.