Duke Cunningham*
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 50th district
In office January 3, 1991 - December 1, 2005[1]
Succeeded by	Brian Bilbray
Born	December 8, 1941 Los Angeles, California
Political party	Republican

Randall Harold Cunningham (born December 8, 1941), usually known as Randy or Duke, was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 50th Congressional District from 1991 to 2005. Image File history File links Randy_Duke_Cunningham_Jan_2005. ... The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... A map of district 50 District 50s location in California The 50th Congressional District in California represents a part of north coastal San Diego County. ... Brian Phillip Bilbray (born January 28, 1951) is a U.S. Republican politician, who was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001, representing Californias 49th congressional district. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the movie, see 1941 (film). ... Nickname: Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates: , State California County Los Angeles County Settled 1781 Incorporated April 4, 1850 Government  - Type Mayor-Council  - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  - City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo  - Governing body City Council Area  - City  498. ... The Republican Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States of America, along with the Democratic Party. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the movie, see 1941 (film). ... The Republican Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States of America, along with the Democratic Party. ... The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. ... A map of district 50 District 50s location in California The 50th Congressional District in California represents a part of north coastal San Diego County. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Cunningham resigned from the House on November 28, 2005 after pleading guilty to accepting at least $2.4 million in bribes and underreporting his income for 2004. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. On March 3, 2006, he received a sentence of eight years and four months in prison and an order to pay $1.8 million in restitution. November 28 is the 332nd day (333rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bribery is a crime implying a sum or gift given alters the behaviour of the person in ways not consistent with the duties of that person. ... In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between natural persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Wire fraud is a legal concept in the United States Code which provides for enhanced penalty of any criminally fraudulent activity if it is determined that the activity involved electronic communications of any sort, at any phase of the event. ... This article contrasts tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax resistance and tax mitigation. ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Restitution is the name given to a form of legal relief in which the plaintiff recovers something from the defendant that belongs, or should belong, to the plaintiff. ...

Prior to his political career, he was an officer in the United States Navy for 21 years during which time he became a flying ace for actions during the Vietnam War. The United States Navy, also known as the USN or the U.S. Navy, is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for conducting naval operations. ... The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, perhaps the most famous ace of all. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000...

Family

Cunningham was born in Los Angeles to Randall and Lela Cunningham, who both moved there from Oklahoma during the Depression. His father was a Union Oil station attendant.^[2] His father's family moved to Fresno, California, then to rural Shelbina, Missouri, when he was 12. His parents purchased the former Ben Franklin Variety Store and after renovation opened it as the Cunningham Variety Store.In Shelbina, he loved to hunt pheasant and deer with his father and graduated from Shelbina High School. Nickname: Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates: , State California County Los Angeles County Settled 1781 Incorporated April 4, 1850 Government  - Type Mayor-Council  - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  - City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo  - Governing body City Council Area  - City  498. ... Official language(s) None Capital Oklahoma City Largest city Oklahoma City Area  Ranked 20th  - Total 69,960 sq mi (181,196 km²)  - Width 230 miles (370 km)  - Length 298 miles (480 km)  - % water 1. ... The Great Depression was a time of economic down turn, which started after the stock market crash on October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday. ... The Unocal Corporation (NYSE: UCL), based in El Segundo, California, was founded in 1890 as the Union Oil Company of California. ... Nickname: Location in the state of California County Fresno Government  - Mayor Alan Autry Area  - City 104. ... Shelbina is a city located in Shelby County, Missouri. ...

Cunningham married his first wife, the former Susan Albrecht, in 1965; they met in college and had one adopted son, Todd. Susan filed for divorce and a restraining order in January 1973 based on her claims of emotional abuse, and the divorce was granted nine months later.^[3] Cunningham later stated that at that point, his life hit "rock-bottom." 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ...

In 1973 he met Dan McKinnon, a publisher and son of former Congressman Clinton D. McKinnon. Dan McKinnon encouraged him to turn his life around, and Cunningham became a born-again Christian.^[4][5] Clinton Dotson McKinnon (February 5, 1906–December 29, 2001) is a former American Democratic politician and journalist from San Diego. ... Born again is a soteriological term used primarily in the Evangelical, Fundamentalist, and Pentecostal branches of Protestant Christianity, where it is associated with salvation, conversion and spiritual birth. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Cunningham met his second wife, Nancy D. Jones, at the Miramar Officers' Club in San Diego and they were married February 16, 1974.^[6] Nancy was born in 1952 and is also previously married. In 1976, she filed for divorce and a restraining order, stating that he "is a very aggressive spontaneously assaultive person, and I fear for my immediate physical safety and well being." Nancy later had a change of heart, so at her request, the court dismissed the divorce in January 1977. Nancy's declaration justifying the restraining order has been sealed by court order since 1990, when Duke first ran for congress. They have two daughters, April and Carrie. Dr. Nancy Cunningham is an educator for the Encinitas school district.^[3] Flag Seal Nickname: Americas Finest City Location Location of San Diego within San Diego County Coordinates , Government County San Diego Mayor City Attorney         City Council District One District Two District Three District Four District Five District Six District Seven District Eight Jerry Sanders (R) Michael Aguirre Scott Peters Kevin... February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... Location of Encinitas within San Diego County, California. ...

Military service

June 1972 - Lieutenant Randall H. Cunningham (second from left) in a ceremony honoring him and Lieutenant (JG) William P. Driscoll (third from left), the Navy's only Vietnam War air "Aces".

After receiving his bachelor's and MA degrees from the University of Missouri in 1964 and 1965, Cunningham spent a year as a high school swimming coach in Hinsdale, Illinois before joining the United States Navy in 1966. The United States Navy, also known as the USN or the U.S. Navy, is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for conducting naval operations. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy and the second highest award given for valor. ... The Silver Star is the fourth highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. ... For other meanings see Purple Heart (disambiguation). ... The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, perhaps the most famous ace of all. ... The House of Representatives is the larger of two houses that make up the U.S. Congress, the other being the United States Senate. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... William Irish Driscoll served as a Navy Radar Intercept Officer who together with pilot Randall Duke Cunningham, were the US Navys only two aces during the Vietnam War flying F-4 Phantom II jets off the USS Constellation in Squadron VF-96, The Fighting Falcons. ... The University of Missouri–Columbia is a public land-grant university and is Missouris largest university and public research institution. ... Hinsdale is an affluent Chicago suburb located in Cook County and DuPage County in the U.S. state of Illinois. ... The United States Navy, also known as the USN or the U.S. Navy, is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for conducting naval operations. ...

During his service, Cunningham and his Radar Intercept Officer "Irish" Driscoll became the only Navy aces in the Vietnam War, flying an F-4 Phantom from aboard aircraft carriers, and recording five confirmed kills, making him one of two U.S. pilots to attain "ace" status in that war. He was one of the early graduates of the Navy's TOPGUN school that taught dogfighting techniques to F-4 Phantom pilots and Radar Intercept Officers (RIOs). A Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy and Marine Corps is an officer of the line, meaning they can screen for command in the naval aviation community. ... William Irish Driscoll served as a Navy Radar Intercept Officer who together with pilot Randall Duke Cunningham, were the US Navys only two aces during the Vietnam War flying F-4 Phantom II jets off the USS Constellation in Squadron VF-96, The Fighting Falcons. ... The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, perhaps the most famous ace of all. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... The F-4 Phantom II (simply F-4 Phantom after 1990) is a two-place (tandem), supersonic, long-range, all-weather fighter-bomber built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation. ... Four aircraft carriers, (bottom-to-top) Principe de Asturias, amphibious assault carrier USS Wasp, supercarrier USS Forrestal and light V/STOL carrier HMS Invincible, showing size differences of late 20th century carriers An aircraft carrier is a warship designed to deploy and recover aircraft — in effect acting as a sea... TOPGUN is the code name and common name of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) course. ... A Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy and Marine Corps is an officer of the line, meaning they can screen for command in the naval aviation community. ...

It has been alleged that Cunningham downed a MiG-17 piloted by Vietnamese fighter ace Col. Nguyen Toon. Although "Col. Toon" was an American-manufactured myth, the Vietnamese pilots were superb dogfighters.^[7] "Colonel Toon" (or whoever he really was) was not only skilled but unorthodox, as Cunnigham found out, when the Navy pilot made an elementary tactical error engaging him. The resulting dogfight became extended. Cunningham climbed steeply, and the MiG pilot surprised Cunningham by climbing as well. Remembering his Top Gun training, Cunningham finally forced the MiG out ahead of him and destroyed it with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. MiG-17 at the Central Texas Airshow, USA, May 2003. ... The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, perhaps the most famous ace of all. ... Colonel Toon or Tomb was the mythical North Vietnamese fighter pilot and flying ace who allegedly shot down 13 American aircraft during the Vietnam War. ... The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. ... It has been suggested that Guided missile be merged into this article or section. ...

Cunningham was reportedly almost court-martialed while still in flight school for breaking into an office to compare his records with those of his colleagues—a charge denied by Cunningham, but supported by two of his superior officers at the time.^[8] Regardless of the controversy, there was little doubt about Cunningham's piloting abilities. He was one of the most highly decorated U.S. Navy pilots in the Vietnam War, receiving the Navy Cross once, the Silver Star twice, the Air Medal 15 times, and the Purple Heart for wounds he received under enemy fire. A court-martial (plural courts-martial) is a military court that determines punishments for members of the military subject to military law. ... The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy and the second highest award given for valor. ... The Silver Star is the fourth highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. ... The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States which was established by Executive Order 9158, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, on May 11, 1942. ... For other meanings see Purple Heart (disambiguation). ...

After returning from Vietnam in 1972, he became an instructor at the Navy's TOPGUN school for fighter pilots at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. Cunningham says many of his real-life experiences in combat and as an instructor were depicted in the popular 1986 movie Top Gun,^[9] although the movie's producer says it was not based on any specific aviator.^[10] TOPGUN is the code name and common name of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) course. ... Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar (IATA: NKX, ICAO: KNKX, FAA LID: NKX), formerly Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, is an airfield of the United States military, located about 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown San Diego, California, USA, at . ... Flag Seal Nickname: Americas Finest City Location Location of San Diego within San Diego County Coordinates , Government County San Diego Mayor City Attorney         City Council District One District Two District Three District Four District Five District Six District Seven District Eight Jerry Sanders (R) Michael Aguirre Scott Peters Kevin... // April 12 - Actor Morgan Mason marries The Go-Gos Belinda Carlisle Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger marries television journalist Maria Shriver. ... Top Gun is a 1986 American film directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer in association with Paramount Pictures. ...

Cunningham was a commentator on the History Channel program "Dogfights: The Greatest Air Battles", in the Vietnam War segment, where he discussed his experiences as a fighter pilot. The History Channel is a cable television channel, dedicated to the presentation of historical events and persons, often with frequent observations and explanations by noted historians as well as reenactors and witnesses to events, if possible. ... For close-range aerial combat, see Dogfight. ...

In 1985 Cunningham earned an MBA from National University, a San Diego night school. He retired from the Navy in 1987 as a commander, settling in Del Mar, a suburb of San Diego. However, success eluded him in business or teaching.^{[citation needed]} He became nationally known as a CNN commentator on naval aircraft in the run-up to the Persian Gulf War. EMBA redirects here; for the Mutation Mink Breeders Association, see American Legend Cooperative The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a masters degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. ... A national university is a university created or run by a national government. ... Commander is a military rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. ... Del Mar is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. ... The Cable News Network, commonly known as CNN, is a major cable television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. ... See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ...

Political career

Cunningham's visibility as a CNN commentator led several Republican leaders to approach him about running in what was then the 44th District, one of four that divided San Diego. The district had been held for eight years by Democrat Jim Bates, and was considered the most Democratic district in the San Diego area. However, Bates was bogged down in a scandal involving charges of sexual harassment. Cunningham won the Republican nomination in 1990 and hammered Bates about the scandal, promising to be "a congressman we can be proud of." He won by just one percentage point, meaning that the San Diego area was represented entirely by Republicans for only the second time since the city was split into two districts after the 1960 census. The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ... Jim Bates (born July 21, 1941) is a former American politician. ... A scandal is a widely publicized incident involving allegations of wrong-doing, disgrace, or moral outrage. ... Sexual harassment is harassment or unwelcome attention of a sexual nature. ...

Congressional freshmen usually do not get much media attention outside of their home districts or states, but Cunningham's status as a Vietnam War hero made him an exception. Colleagues and the media admired him for his special knowledge of the armed forces: he played an important role in the debate on whether to use military force to make Iraq end its occupation of Kuwait.^[8] Guy Vander Jagt of Michigan, longtime chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said that Cunningham had considerable "drawing power" and was treated as a celebrity by his fellow Republicans.^[11] Guy Vander Jagt was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan. ... Official language(s) None (English, de-facto) Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Area  Ranked 11th  - Total 97,990 sq mi (253,793 km²)  - Width 239 miles (385 km)  - Length 491 miles (790 km)  - % water 41. ... The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is the Republican Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Republicans to that body. ...

After the 1990 census, redistricting renumbered the 44th District as the 51st and created the 50th District, splitting off a significant portion of San Diego County. At the same time, the 51st added several areas of heavily Republican North San Diego County. The new district included the home of Bill Lowery, a fellow Republican who had represented most of the other side of San Diego for the past 12 years. They faced one another in the Republican primary. Despite Lowery's seniority, his involvement in the House banking scandal hurt him. Cunningham repeated his promise from 1990 to be "a congressman we can be proud of." As polls showed Cunningham with a substantial lead, Lowery dropped out of the primary race, effectively handing Cunningham the nomination. He breezed to victory in November. North San Diego County (locally referred to as North County) refers to the northern portion of San Diego County, a suburban and rural area far from the urban center of San Diego. ... William David Bill Lowery (May 2, 1947–) was a U.S. Republican politician from California. ... Rubbergate was the name given to a scandal that broke in early 1992 when it was revealed that members of the United States House of Representatives were knowingly writing bad checks, and not being penalized by the House Bank. ...

Even though the district (renumbered as the 50th after the 2000 census) is not nearly as conservative as the other two Republican-held districts in the San Diego area, Cunningham was reelected six times with no less than 55 percent of the vote.

Cunningham was a member of the Appropriations and Intelligence committees, and chaired the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterintelligence during the 109th Congress. He was considered a leading Republican expert on national security issues. He was also a champion of education, using his position on the Appropriations Education Subcommittee to steer federal dollars to schools in San Diego. After surgery for prostate cancer in 1998, he became a champion of early testing for the disease. The Committee on Appropriations, or Appropriations Committee (often referred to as simply Appropriations, as in Hes on Appropriations) is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. ... The U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is a committee of the United States House of Representatives, currently chaired by Peter Hoekstra. ... United States Capitol (2002) // The One Hundred Ninth United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, comprised of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. ... Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. ...

Cunningham was known for making intemperate outbursts. For example:

• Making a comment about gay Congressman Barney Frank, where he called the rectal examination for prostate cancer “just not natural, unless maybe you’re Barney Frank.”^[12]
• Displaying his middle finger to a constituent and “for emphasis, [shouting] the two-word meaning of his one-finger salute” during an argument over military spending.^[13][8]
• Suggesting that the Democratic House leadership should be “lined up and shot” — a call he'd previously made about Vietnam War protesters.^[8]
• Referring to gay soldiers as “homos” on the floor of the house when he said backers of an environmental amendment were “…the same people that would...put homos in the military.”^[12] Congresswoman Pat Schroeder asked if he would yield the floor, but Cunningham told her, “No, I will not." When Congressman Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, attempted to object, Cunningham said, "Sit down, you socialist.”^[14] He later apologized for his comments.^[12]
• Getting in a shoving match with Congressman Jim Moran over sending troops to Bosnia. After Cunningham fled, Moran found him crying in the cloakroom.^[15]

In the Washingtonian feature "Best & Worst of Congress" of 2004, Cunningham was rated (along with four other House members) as "No Rocket Scientist" by a bipartisan survey of Congressional staff.^[16] Barney Frank (born March 31, 1940) is an American politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives. ... Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. ... Patricia Schroeder (born July 30, 1940), American politician, was a twelve-term Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Colorado, serving from 1972 to 1996. ... Bernard Bernie Sanders (born September 8, 1941) is the current junior United States Senator from Vermont. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Jim Moran James Patrick Moran Jr. ... Motto none Anthem Intermeco Bosnia and Herzegovina() on the European continent()  —  [] Capital (and largest city) Sarajevo Official languages Bosnian Croatian Serbian Government Parliamentary democracy  -  Presidency members NebojÅ¡a Radmanović1 Haris Silajdžić2 Željko KomÅ¡ić3  -  Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola Å pirić  -  High Representative 4 Independence... The Washingtonians were a temperance group from early in the history of the United States. ...

While Cunningham said that “I cut my own rudder” on issues,^[8] he had a very conservative voting record.^[17] He was often compared by liberal interest groups to former congressman Bob Dornan, with some justification; both are ardent conservatives, both are former military pilots, and both have become infamous for outbursts against perceived enemies. In 1992, Cunningham, along with Dornan and fellow San Diego Republican Duncan Hunter, challenged the patriotism of then-Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton before a near-empty House chamber.^[8] Advocacy is an umbrella term for organized activism related to a particular set of issues. ... Robert Kenneth Bob Dornan (born April 3, 1933) is a Republican and former member of the United States House of Representatives from California and a vocal pro-life advocate. ... Duncan Lee Hunter (born May 31, 1948) is an American politician who has been a Republican member of the House of Representatives since 1981 from Californias 52nd congressional district in northern and eastern San Diego. ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ...

In September 1996 Cunningham attacked President Clinton for appointing judges who were "soft on crime". "We must get tough on drug dealers," he said, adding that "those who peddle destruction on our children must pay dearly."^[18] He favored stiff drug penalties and voted for the death penalty for major drug dealers. Four months later, his son Todd was arrested for helping to transport 400 pounds (181 kg) of marijuana from Massachusetts to California. (it is possible that the marijuana was intended for personal use, but the quantity suggested an intent to sell, in the eyes of the law.) At his son's sentencing hearing, Cunningham fought back tears as he begged the judge for leniency (Todd was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, in part because he tested positive for cocaine three times while on bail).^[19] Cunningham's press secretary responded to accusations of double standards with: "The sentence Todd got had nothing to do with who Duke is. Duke has always been tough on drugs and remains tough on drugs."^{[citation needed]} A Cannabis sativa plant The drug cannabis, also called marijuana, is produced from parts of the cannabis plant, primarily the cured flowers and gathered trichomes of the female plant. ... Official language(s) English Capital Boston Largest city Boston Area  Ranked 44th  - Total 10,555 sq mi (27,360 km²)  - Width 183 miles (295 km)  - Length 113 miles (182 km)  - % water 13. ... Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. ...

Legislative achievements

Cunningham was the lead sponsor of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act, which banned the practice of shark finning in all US waters and pushed America to the lead on efforts to ban shark finning worldwide. For his efforts Cunningham was named as a "Conservation Hero" by the Audubon Society and the Ocean Wildlife Campaign. Shark fin soup A dried shark fin prepared for cooking Shark fins and other shark parts for sale in a Chinese pharmacy Shark fin soup (Chinese: 魚翅; Jyutping: jyu4 ci3, Mandarin: (Pinyin) Yú Chì / (Wade-Giles) Yü Chih4 ) is a Chinese delicacy commonly served as part of a Chinese feast... The National Audubon Society is an American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to nature conservancy. ...

Cunningham co-sponsored, along with Democrat John Murtha, the so-called "Flag Desecration Amendment", which would add the following sentence to the Constitution of the United States John Patrick “Jack” Murtha, Jr. ... The Flag Desecration Amendment, often referred to as the flag burning amendment, is a controversial proposed constitutional amendment to the United States Constitution that would allow the United States Congress to statutorily prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. ... Page one of the original copy of the Constitution. ...

"The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the Flag of the United States."

The proposed amendment has passed the House many times, but narrowly missed the requisite 2/3 majority vote for passage in the Senate.

Cunningham was the driving force behind the Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act which was passed and signed into law by President George W. Bush in July of 2004. The law grants the authority to non-federal law enforcement officers from any jurisdiction to carry a firearm anywhere within the jurisdiction of the United States. George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician and the 43rd and current President of the United States. ...

Scandals and corruption

The Cunningham Scandal is a US political scandal in which defense contractors paid bribes to members of Congress, and officials in the US Defense Department, in return for political favors in the form of federal contracts. ... Mitchell J. Mitch Wade (c. ... Kyle Dustin Dusty Foggo (born March 17, 1954), is a former American government intelligence officer. ... Brent R. Wilkes (born May 1954) is a defense contractor, who became well known for his involvement with the Duke Cunningham defense contracting scandal. ...

Allegations

In June 2005 it was revealed that a defense contractor, Mitchell Wade, founder of the defense contracting firm MZM Inc. (since renamed Athena Innovative Solutions Inc.), had bought Cunningham's house in Del Mar for $1,675,000. A month later, Wade placed it back on the market where it remained unsold for 8 months until the price was reduced to $975,000. Cunningham was a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee; soon after the purchase, Wade began to receive tens of millions of dollars worth of defense and intelligence contracts. Cunningham claimed the deal was legitimate, adding, "I feel very confident that I haven't done anything wrong."^[20] Image File history File links Duke_bribe_menu. ... Mitchell J. Mitch Wade (c. ... A defense contractor (sometimes called a military contractor) is a business organization or individual that provides products or services to a defense department of a government. ... Mitchell J. Mitch Wade (c. ...

Later in June, it was further reported that Cunningham lived in a yacht aptly named the "Duke Stir" while he was in Washington. The yacht was owned by Wade; Cunningham paid only for maintenance.^[21] An article in the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper, reported that Cunningham liked to invite women to his yacht. Two of them said that he would change into pajama bottoms and a turtleneck sweater to entertain them with chilled champagne by the light of his favorite lava lamp.^[22] The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation regarding the real estate transaction. His home, MZM corporate offices, and Wade's home were all simultaneously raided by a number of federal agencies with warrants on July 1, 2005.^[23] This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone and/or spelling. ... Nickname: Motto: Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All) Location of Washington, D.C., in relation to the states Maryland and Virginia Coordinates: Country United States Federal District District of Columbia Government  - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D)  - City Council Chairperson: Vincent C. Gray (D) Ward 1: Jim Graham (D) Ward 2: Jack... The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily newspaper published in San Diego, California by the Copley Press. ... Categories: Stub | Clothing ... A jumper from Marks & Spencer A sweater (also called sweatshirt, pullover, jumper, and jersey) is a relatively heavy garment intended to cover the torso and arms of the human body (though, in some cases, sweaters are made for dogs and occasionally other animals) and typically to be worn over a... Champagne is often consumed as part of a celebration Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to effect carbonation. ... Copper Crestworth Coach Lantern Lava Lamp A lava lamp is a novelty item typically used for decoration rather than illumination. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), serving as both a federal criminal investigative body and a domestic intelligence agency. ... July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On July 14, Cunningham announced he would not run for a ninth term in 2006, saying that while he believed he'd be cleared of any wrongdoing, he could not defend himself and run for reelection at the same time. He admitted to displaying "poor judgment" when he sold his house to Wade.^[24] July 14 is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Besides Wade, the three other co-conspirators are: Brent Wilkes, founder of San Diego-based ADCS Inc.; New York businessman Thomas Kontogiannis (whom U.S. Coast Guard records show was involved in a questionable boat deal with Cunningham); and John T. Michael, Kontogiannis' nephew (the owner of a New York-based mortgage company Coastal Capital Corp. Property records show the company made $1.15 million in real estate loans to Cunningham, two of which were used in the purchase of his Rancho Santa Fe mansion. Court records show that Wade paid off one of those loans).^[25] Brent R. Wilkes (born May 1954) is a defense contractor, who became well known for his involvement with the Duke Cunningham defense contracting scandal. ...

In 1997, Cunningham pushed the Pentagon into buying a $20 million document-digitization system created by ADCS Inc., one of several defense companies owned by Wilkes. The Pentagon didn't want to buy the system. When it hadn't done so three years later, Cunningham angrily demanded the firing of Lou Kratz, an assistant undersecretary of defense he held responsible for the delays.^[11] It later emerged that Wilkes reportedly gave Cunningham more than $630,000 in cash and favors.^[26]

Cunningham was also criticized for selling merchandise on his personal website, such as a $595 buck knife featuring the official Congressional seal.^[27] He failed to obtain permission to use the seal, which is a federal offense.^[28]

On April 27, 2006, months after his guilty plea, Scot J. Patrow, writing for the Wall Street Journal, reported that, in addition to all the favors, gifts, and money Cunningham received from defense contractors who wanted his help in obtaining contracts, Cunningham may have been provided with prostitutes, hotel rooms, and limousines.^[29] April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Whore redirects here. ...

Plea agreement

On November 28, 2005, Cunningham pleaded guilty to tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, and wire fraud in federal court in San Diego. Among the many bribes Cunningham admitted receiving were the house sale at an inflated price, the free use of the yacht, a used Rolls-Royce, antique furniture, Persian rugs, jewelry, and a $2,000 contribution for his daughter's college graduation party.^[30] Cunningham's attorney, Mark Holscher, later said that the government's evidence was so overwhelming that he had no choice but to recommend a guilty plea.^[31] With the plea bargain, Cunningham faced a maximum of 10 years; had he fought the charges, Cunningham risked spending the rest of his life in prison. In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between natural persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Wire fraud is a legal concept in the United States Code which provides for enhanced penalty of any criminally fraudulent activity if it is determined that the activity involved electronic communications of any sort, at any phase of the event. ... This article contrasts tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax resistance and tax mitigation. ... Nickname: The Old Pueblo Location in Pima County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: Country United States State Arizona Counties Pima Mayor Bob Walkup (R) Area    - City 505. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A politician is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a government, or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. ... A Congressman or Congresswoman (generically, Congressperson) is a politician who is a member of a Congress. ... November 28 is the 332nd day (333rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article contrasts tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax resistance and tax mitigation. ... In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between natural persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement. ... Bribery is a crime implying a sum or gift given alters the behaviour of the person in ways not consistent with the duties of that person. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Wire fraud is a legal concept in the United States Code which provides for enhanced penalty of any criminally fraudulent activity if it is determined that the activity involved electronic communications of any sort, at any phase of the event. ... Rolls-Royce car may refer to vehicles produced by: Rolls-Royce Limited (1906-1973) Rolls-Royce Motors (1973-2003) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (2003-present) // Rolls-Royce cars Rolls-Royce Limited vehicles 1904-1906 10 hp 1905-1905 15 hp 1905-1908 20 hp 1905-1906 30 hp 1905-1906...

As part of his guilty plea, Cunningham agreed to forfeit his $2.55 million home in Rancho Santa Fe, which he bought with the proceeds of the sale of the Del Mar house. Cunningham initially tried to sell the Rancho Santa Fe house, but federal prosecutors moved to block the sale after finding evidence it was purchased with Wade's money. (Wade, with others, even paid off the balance Cunningham owed on the mortgage.) Cunningham will also forfeit more than $1.8 million in cash, antiques, rugs, and other items. Rancho Santa Fe is an unincorporated census-designated place in San Diego County, California, United States. ...

Also as part of the plea agreement, Cunningham agreed to help the government in its prosecution of others involved in the defense contractor bribery scandal. However, news reports have surfaced stating that Cunningham was not cooperating with investigators despite the agreement.^[32] A week later, Cunningham, through his lawyer, announced that he was ready to cooperate.^[33]

Resignation

Cunningham announced that he would resign from the House at a press conference just after entering his plea. He submitted his official resignation letter to the Clerk of the House and to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on December 6.^[34] Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis with President George W. Bush (2003) Seal of the Governor of California (without the Roman numerals designating the governors sequence) See also: List of pre-statehood governors of California, List of Governors of California The Governor of California is the highest executive authority... Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (German pronunciation (IPA): ) (born on July 30, 1947) is an Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor and an American politician, currently serving as the 38th Governor of California. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Had Cunningham declined to resign, his role in Congress would have been very limited, as House rules do not allow members convicted of felonies to vote or participate in committee work pending an investigation by the Ethics Committee.^[35] It is very likely that he would have been expelled from the House, as happened with Democrat James Traficant three years earlier. Under Republican caucus rules, he would have lost his subcommittee chairmanship.^[36] The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, often known simply as the Ethics Committee, is one of the committees of the United States House of Representatives. ... James Anthony Traficant, Jr. ...

In marked contrast to his defiant stand earlier in the year, Cunningham was very contrite, sullen and overcome by emotion when he read his prepared statement announcing that he was stepping down:

"When I announced several months ago that I would not seek re-election, I publicly declared my innocence because I was not strong enough to face the truth. So, I misled my family, staff, friends, colleagues, the public—even myself. For all of this, I am deeply sorry. The truth is—I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my high office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, and most importantly, the trust of my friends and family. ... In my life, I have known great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame. I learned in Viet Nam that the true measure of a man is how he responds to adversity. I cannot undo what I have done. But I can atone. I am now almost 65 years old and, as I enter the twilight of my life, I intend to use the remaining time that God grants me to make amends."^[37]

Despite his guilty plea, Cunningham may still receive a pension for his 21 years of service in the Navy and almost 15 years in Congress. While federal law only allows the government to strip pensions from federal employees guilty of treason, perjury or trading secrets with the enemy, San Diego benefits expert Robert Goldstein told the San Diego Union-Tribune that it is possible the government could still try to take the money from Cunningham.^[38] A pension is a steady income given to a person (usually after retirement). ... The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily newspaper published in San Diego, California by the Copley Press. ...

Reactions

Local

Darrell Issa, a Republican who represents the neighboring 49th District, said after Cunningham's plea that he'd been waiting for Cunningham to explain his behavior "in a way that made sense to us" and that Cunningham's behavior "fell below the standard the public demands of its elected representatives."^[39] Duncan Hunter, the other Republican who represents the San Diego area, said on November 30 that he and Cunningham spent the rest of November 28 in prayer and that Cunningham wanted to "serve those who are suffering (and) to begin his long road of atonement" for his crimes.^[40] Many of Cunningham's staffers were stunned at the extent of their boss's crimes.^[41] Darrell E. Issa (pronounced Eye-suh) (born November 1, 1953) is an American politician and former CEO of a consumer electronics company. ... Duncan Lee Hunter (born May 31, 1948) is an American politician who has been a Republican member of the House of Representatives since 1981 from Californias 52nd congressional district in northern and eastern San Diego. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Union-Tribune columnist George Condon suggested in a December 1 column that Cunningham's actions "may have put ... troops at greater risk by judging contracts more for what they would do for him than for the military."^[22] December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Francine Busby, Cunningham's Democratic challenger in 2004 and the Democratic candidate for the 50th District in the run-off election to fill Cunningham's vacancy, called November 28th "a sad day for the people" and called for support for her proposed ethics reform bill, the "Clean House Act", saying that "our government in Washington is broken."^[42] Francine Busby Francine Pocino Busby (born March 3, 1951) is a Democratic candidate competing in the June 6, 2006, runoff election to fill the vacancy, created when Duke Cunningham resigned amidst scandal, in Californias 50th congressional district which represents northwest San Diego County. ...

National

In an editorial on November 29, the Washington Post called the Cunningham affair "the most brazen bribery conspiracy in modern congressional history."^[43] Later that day, President George W. Bush called Cunningham's actions "outrageous" at a press briefing in El Paso. He also said that Cunningham should "pay a serious price" for his crimes.^[31] House Speaker Dennis Hastert said in a December 6 statement that Cunningham was a "war hero,"; but that he broke "the public trust he has built through his military and congressional career."^[44] Several of Cunningham's former colleagues have donated to charity campaign contributions he had given them.^[45] November 29 is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the 43rd and current President of the United States, inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: County El Paso County Government  - Mayor John Cook Area  - City  250. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Chief Justice Associate Justices Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Counties, Cities, and Towns Other countries Politics Portal      The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the... John Dennis Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an American politician and former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On February 9, 2006, Senator John Kerry introduced a bill to prevent lawmakers who have been convicted of official misconduct from collecting taxpayer funded pensions. Officially the bill is named the "Federal Pension Forfeiture Act", but unofficially it has been dubbed the "Duke Cunningham Act."^[46][47] February 9 is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Al Gore (born December 11, 1943) is a Vietnam Veteran and the junior United States Senator from Massachusetts. ...

Sentencing

On March 3, 2006, U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns sentenced Cunningham to 100 months (eight years and four months) in prison.^[48] Federal prosecutors had pushed for the maximum sentence of ten years, but Cunningham's defense lawyers said that at 64 years old and with prostate cancer, Cunningham would likely die in prison if he received the full sentence.^[49][50] Judge Burns cited his military service in Vietnam as the reason the full ten years was not imposed. Prosecutors announced that they were satisfied with the sentence, which is the longest jail term ever given to a former Congressman.^[51] March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ...

On the day of sentencing, Cunningham was 90 pounds (41 kg) lighter than when allegations first surfaced 9 months earlier. After receiving his sentence, Cunningham made a request to see his 91-year-old mother one last time before going to prison. "I made a very wrong turn. I rationalized decisions I knew were wrong. I did that, sir," Cunningham said. The request was denied, and Burns remanded him immediately upon rendering the sentence.^[52]

Cunningham is currently incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary at Tucson, presumably in the minimum security satellite camp, with inmate register number 94405-198. He previously served time on his sentence at the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina.^[53] His projected release date is June 4, 2013. There are several official types of US federal prisons: Minimum Security - Federal Prison Camps (FPC) Low Security - Low security Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) Medium Security - Medium security FCIs High Security - United States Penitentiaries (USPs) Correctional Complexes - Federal Correctional Complexes (FCCs) Administrative Satellite Camps Satellite Low Security List of U.S... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Butner is a census-designated place located in Granville County, North Carolina. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Aftermath

2005

• Almost as soon as Cunningham pled guilty, Intelligence Committee chairman Pete Hoekstra of Michigan (who represents Guy Vander Jagt's former district) announced his panel would investigate whether Cunningham used his post on that committee to steer contracts to favored companies. Hoekstra said that Cunningham "no longer gets the benefit of the doubt" due to his admission to "very, very serious" crimes. "We need to look at worst-case scenarios," he added. He also shut off Cunningham's access to classified information. While Hoekstra doesn't believe that Cunningham improperly influenced the Intelligence Committee's work, a committee spokesman said that he wanted to make sure its work stayed on the level.^[54]

• Bill Young of Florida, chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and former chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, said that he planned to review Cunningham's requests for defense projects. While he felt most of the requests were legitimate and supported by the Pentagon, he said that he needed to be "doubly sure that anything shaky is not going to stay in."^[55]

• On December 14, prosecutors in former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's money laundering trial revealed that they are looking into ties between Wilkes and DeLay. One of Wilkes' companies donated $15,000 to DeLay's PAC, Texans for a Republican Majority. Wilkes also hired a consulting firm that employed DeLay's wife, Christine.^[56]

Peter Pete Hoekstra (born October 30, 1953) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. ... Charles William Bill Young, also known as C.W. Bill Young, (born December 16, 1930), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1971, representing the 10th District of Florida (map). ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... December 14 is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives acts as the leader of the party that has a majority control of the seats in the house (at least 218 of the 435 seats). ... Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8, 1947) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Sugar Land, Texas. ... Money laundering is the practice of engaging in financial transactions in order to conceal the identity, source and destination of the money in question. ... In the United States, a political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group organized to elect or defeat government officials in order to promote legislation, often supporting the groups special interests. ... This article contains information that has not been verified. ...

2006

• On January 6, Time reported that Cunningham cooperated with law enforcement by wearing a concealed recording device (a "wire") while meeting with associates prior to his guilty plea. It is not known whom he met with while wired, but there is speculation Cunningham's misdeeds were not isolated instances and his case could reveal a larger web of corruption.^[57]

• On February 24, Mitchell Wade pleaded guilty to paying Cunningham more than $1 million in bribes in exchange for millions more in government contracts.^[58]

• In March, it was revealed that CIA officials have opened an investigation into the CIA's No.3 official, Kyle Foggo, and his relationship with Wilkes, "one of his closest friends," according to the article. Foggo has said that all of the contracts he oversaw were properly awarded and administered.^[59]

• A special election to fill the vacancy left by Cunningham took place on April 11. No candidate obtained the majority necessary to win outright, so a runoff election was scheduled for June 6 between Democrat Busby and Republican Brian Bilbray, who had represented the nearby 49th District from 1995 to 2001.

• On April 17, the staffs of the The San Diego Union-Tribune and Copley News Service were awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for their investigative work in uncovering Cunningham's crimes.^[60]

• On May 12, FBI officials raided the Vienna, Virginia home of former CIA official Kyle "Dusty" Foggo in connection with the scandal.^[61]

• On June 6, Republican Brian Bilbray won the run-off election for Cunningham's seat, narrowly defeating Democrat Francine Busby. ^[62]

• On November 7, Bilbray beat Busby again and retained his seat in the House.^[63]

January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 359 days (360 in leap years) remaining. ... Time (whose trademark is capitalized TIME) is a weekly American newsmagazine, similar to Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Mitchell J. Mitch Wade (c. ... The CIA Seal The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an American intelligence agency, responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals, and reporting such information to the various branches of the U.S. Government. ... A special election will be held in the 50th Congressional District of California to choose a new member of the United States House of Representatives to replace Randy Cunningham, who resigned November 28, 2005 after pleading guilty to bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud, and tax evasion charges. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... June 6 is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Brian Phillip Bilbray (born January 28, 1951) is a U.S. Republican politician, who was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001, representing Californias 49th congressional district. ... April 17 is the 107th day of the year (108th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily newspaper published in San Diego, California by the Copley Press. ... The Pulitzer Prize is an American award regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition. ... May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal criminal investigative, intelligence agency, and the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... Vienna is a town in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. ... Kyle Dustin Dusty Foggo (born March 17, 1954), is a former American government intelligence officer. ... June 6 is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... November 7 is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 54 days remaining. ...

2007

• In January, the Justice Department requested the resignation of U.S. Attorney Carol Lam, who led the corruption prosecution of Cunningham.^{[64][65][66][67]} For further information see Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy.

• On February 13, former CIA executive director Kyle Foggo was charged with fraud and other offenses in the Cunningham corruption investigation. The indictment also named Brent Wilkes and John T. Michael.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a Cabinet department in the United States government designed to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. ... United States Attorneys represent the U.S. federal government in United States district court. ... Carol Chien-Hua Lam (born June 26, 1959), a former U.S. Attorney (interim) for the Southern District of California. ... The dismissal of U.S. Attorneys controversy is an ongoing political dispute concerning the dismissal of nine United States Attorneys by the George W. Bush administration in December 2006, and their replacement by interim appointees. ... The CIA Seal The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an American intelligence agency, responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals, and reporting such information to the various branches of the U.S. Government. ... Kyle Dustin Dusty Foggo (born March 17, 1954), is a former American government intelligence officer. ... Brent R. Wilkes (born May 1954) is a defense contractor, who became well known for his involvement with the Duke Cunningham defense contracting scandal. ...

References

The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily newspaper published in San Diego, California by the Copley Press. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 20 is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 196th day of the year (197th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 4th redirects here. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... January 15 is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Los Angeles Times (also known as the LA Times) is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California and distributed throughout the Western United States. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Washington Blade is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) newspaper in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 4 is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 7 is the 341st day (342nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... September 9 is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 24 is the 114th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (115th in leap years). ... ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 4th redirects here. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the Gregorian calendar, December 18 is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years), with 13 days remaining until the end of the year. ... The Washingtonians were a temperance group from early in the history of the United States. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... May 3 is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... September 24 is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 7 is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... November 18 is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 12 is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 13 is the 164th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (165th in leap years), with 201 days remaining. ... The North County Times is a newspaper in north San Diego County, California, which also publishes The Californian in southwest Riverside County. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 16 is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 16 is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 3 is the 337th (in leap years the 338th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 186th day of the year (187th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 14 is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 6 is the 65th day of the year (66th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 7 is the 66th day of the year (67th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 4th redirects here. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 23 is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 23 is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Title 18 of the US Code deals with Crimes and Criminal Proceedings in five parts: Part I - Crimes Part II - Criminal Procedure Part III - Prisons and Prisoners Part IV - Correction of Youthful Offenders Part V - Immunity of Witnesses Title 18, specifically Part 1 > Chapter 113B > § 2331 and § 2332a(a)), is... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 1 is the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (122nd in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... KGTV is the ABC television affiliate in San Diego, California. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 11 is the 131st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (132nd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 18 is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 19 is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups (as of November 7, 2006 elections) Democratic Party Republican... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The logotype of the United States Government Printing Office In the United States, the Government Printing Office (GPO) prints and provides access to documents produced by and for all three branches of the federal government, including the Supreme Court, the Congress, and all executive branch agencies like the FCC and... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... OMelveny & Myers LLP is an international law firm based in Los Angeles, California, broadly recognized as one of the finest in the country. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Darrell E. Issa (pronounced Eye-suh) (born November 1, 1953) is an American politician and former CEO of a consumer electronics company. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 30 is the 364th day of the year (365th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 1 day remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Francine Busby Francine Pocino Busby (born March 3, 1951) is a Democratic candidate competing in the June 6, 2006, runoff election to fill the vacancy, created when Duke Cunningham resigned amidst scandal, in Californias 50th congressional district which represents northwest San Diego County. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 29 is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Common Cause is a U.S. nonpartisan lobbying group. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 9 is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Boston Globe is the most widely-circulated daily newspaper in Boston, Massachusetts and in the greater New England region. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 9 is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 9 is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Los Angeles Times (also known as the LA Times) is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California and distributed throughout the Western United States. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 18 is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 18 is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Cable News Network, commonly known as CNN, is a major cable television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... The Federal Bureau of Prisons is a subdivision of the United States Department of Justice, and is responsible for the administration of the federal prison system. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Los Angeles Times (also known as the LA Times) is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California and distributed throughout the Western United States. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Mercs sections vary by day of the week, but Business, Sports, and The Valley are standard daily fare. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... A pocket watch, a device used to tell time Look up time in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 359 days (360 in leap years) remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 359 days (360 in leap years) remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... February 25 is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 6 is the 65th day of the year (66th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... March 7 is the 66th day of the year (67th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 18 is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... April 26 is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City by Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... June 7 is the 158th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (159th in leap years), with 207 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... June 7 is the 158th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (159th in leap years), with 207 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... November 8 is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 53 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... November 8 is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 53 days remaining. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... May 8 is the 128th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (129th in leap years). ...

External links

Wikinews has news related to:

Congressman Cunningham admits taking bribes

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• The San Diego Union-Tribune's coverage of the Cunningham scandal
• Unauthorized Randy Cunningham Page
• PAC donors, Indiv donors, Personal Financial Disclosures, Campaign Disburseents at PoliticalMoneyLine
• List of contributors to Cunningham's campaigns
• Archive of Cunningham's commerce website, topguninc.com (deactivated June 2005)
• Congressman's career buried by blizzard of questions on actions San Diego Union-Tribune, July 15, 2005
• Duke Cunningham: First and Last Surrender (FlashReport, November 30, 2005)
• DeLay's prosecutors dig deeper into California
• Congresspedia article on Duke Cunningham

Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress is a biographical dictionary of all members of both houses of the United States Congress, past and present. ... The Washington Post is the largest newspaper in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. ... is the 196th day of the year (197th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 30 is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Documents

• Prosecutor's allegations against Cunningham
• Plea agreement (November 23, 2005)
• Cunningham's resignation statement (Union-Tribune, November 28, 2005)
• Cunningham's Sentencing Memorandum (February 17, 2006)