J.D. / Abramoff Connection Scrutinized on Meet the Press
J.D. thought he was going on Meet the Press this morning to talk about his pet project, “getting rid of them Mexicans” but instead Tim Russert started talking about some man named Harry Mitchell.
MR. RUSSERT: Before we go, Congressman Hayworth, you are locked in a very tight reelection battle with the former mayor of Tampe, a fellow by the name of…
REP. HAYWORTH: Tempe.
MR. RUSSERT: Tempe. Fellow by the name of Harry Mitchell. One of the issues that has emerged is your relationship with Jack Abramoff, the Washington lobbyist. The Center for Responsible Politics says you’re number one in receiving money from Abramoff or his associates. Do you regret having interacted with Abramoff, and will you in fact give all that money back?
Hot DAMN! J.D. wasn’t too happy that Russert was “plugging” his opponent. After saying he had done nothing “illegal or unethical”, this exchange happened:
MR. RUSSERT: Well, Harry Mitchell, the former mayor of Tempe, has a different view.
REP. HAYWORTH: And I know he appreciates your plug this morning, Tim.
MR. RUSSERT: Well, we’re going to—no, you’re here to talk as well.
REP. HAYWORTH: Well, thank you.
MR. RUSSERT: We’re going to, we’re going to follow this race…
REP. HAYWORTH: Good.
MR. RUSSERT: ...Haywood vs. Mitchell, very closely.
REP. HAYWORTH: Thanks. Thank you.
We’ll be watching it real closely too Mr. Russert.
I have the full J.D. section of MTP in the extended entry—click continue reading to see it all.