Looks like Deal's staff involved in pressuring Ethics commission despite denials

[hueymahl]

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/26015095/ethics-director-holly-laberge-says-governors-attorney-pressured-her-and-threatened-her-agency

This is shaping up to be a monster story. We have lies, illegal pressure, a coverup and potentially the involvement of the AG's office. Throw in an FBI investigation as the cherry on top.

Here, in short is what the facts show:

1. Deal's office engineered the firing of the head of the ethics commission and the top investigator because they were trying to subpeona Deal and the companies he was funneling money through.
2. Holly LaBerge is handpicked to be the replacement to make everything go away.
3. Staffers overhear LaBerge bragging about how the Governor owes her. Those staff members then get fired.
4. LaBerge is apparently not acting fast enough, so Deals top two aides pressure her and threaten both her and the ethics commission.
5. LaBerge discloses to a fellow commissioner about the threat and documents the file.
6. LaBerge then turns over the file to the AG's office as part of the wistleblower litigation filed by her predecessor against the state.
7. The AG hides this evidence and fails do disclose it as required by law.
8. LaBerge, thinking she is the next target (or trying to cover her ass because of the pending FBI investigation - we will see), now claims she is the wistleblower, and discloses her memo.
9. Rethugs loose their shit trying to spin their coverup into something else.

I cannot wait for this to play out. For once my normal cynicism about GA politics is losing out to real hope that we can get a democrat back in office!!!

[The Traveler]

1. Shocking. I am completely shocked

To discover corruption in Georgia state politics. Shocked I tell you.

Trav

[Phentex]

2. I would not get overly excited if I were you...

people knew he was dirty, dirty, DIRTY before he got elected and they still voted for him.

It's disgusting.

I am supporting Carter but I'm not confident he can appeal to those who can't read a paper.

[brer cat]

3. I have hope

but not optimism. Deal was well known as dirty and corrupt before he was elected the first time. Too many of my fellow Georgians would vote for the devil if he had a R behind his name.

OTOH, having him dance on a hot tin roof for a few months will be entertaining and might make some voters think for a change. I am talking up Carter at every opportunity and keeping my hope alive.

Thanks for posting, hueymahl.

[groundloop]

4. Let's hope that local news departments throughout the state pick up on this

And if they don't maybe we should be writing, emailing, and calling them asking why they're ignoring such an important story.