Inspector General: Bush’s Housing Secretary Told Staff To Award Contracts To Political Allies
Inspector General: Bush’s Housing Secretary Told Staff To Award Contracts To Political Allies
In May, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson told a group of minority buisness people that he canceled a government contract because the contractor criticized President Bush.
The resulting uproar resulted in a series of conflicting statements from Jackson and his spokeswoman, Dustee Tucker. Jackson stood by his story for several days before claiming it was “made-up” and intended to show “how Washington works.”
The incident prompted an investigation by the HUD Inspector General. The Dallas Morning News got a look at the 340-page report yesterday. The report concluded that an incident similar to the one Jackson described did occur.
Additionally, the Inspector General — through interviews with top HUD staffers — found that Jackson was involved in even more egregious behavior. The report reveals that Jackson instructed staff to award HUD contracts to President Bush’s political allies and withhold them from his political opponents. From the Dallas Morning News:
In a follow-up interview on June 8, investigators confronted her with testimony from Cathy MacFarlane, who resigned that month as HUD’s assistant secretary for public affairs. Ms. MacFarlane told investigators that at a senior staff meeting, Mr. Jackson “made a statement to the effect that it was important to consider presidential supporters when you are considering the selected candidates for discretionary contracts.”
And Ms. MacFarlane told investigators, “I think it was a political [appointee] talking to a political, saying if all things are equal, you’re giving out a contract, give it out to the family, you know.”
The testimony stirred Ms. Pierce’s memory.
“He did say that he did not want contracts awarded — he did say something about political groups, maybe to Democrats or something like that,” she said in the follow-up interview…
…Roy Bernardi, the No. 2 official at HUD and a former mayor of Syracuse, N.Y., also testified that he recalled Mr. Jackson’s statement at the staff meeting.
Jackson’s conduct appears to be in clear violation of federal law, specifically the Federal Aquisition Reguations (48 CFR 3.101-1) which requires that “Government business shall be conducted in a manner above reproach and…with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none.” President Bush should not tolerate this blantant violation of the public trust.
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i don’t have time to read this, but after seeing the picture —
O MY GAWD… HE’S PATTING HIS HEAD… o. my. gawd…
September 21st, 2006 at 11:25 amMore corruption from the most corrupt administration since Nixon.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:26 amI am NOT surprised because Bush is the most corrupt president in history!
September 21st, 2006 at 11:28 amNot a great moment, but this a black man that couldn’t get a job in the bigoted Clinton Administration.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:32 amO MY GAWD… HE’S PATTING HIS HEAD… o. my. gawd…
Comment by katy
Naw, I don’t think so, katy. I think he’s rubbing it for good luck.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:32 am“President Bush should not tolerate this blantant violation of the public trust. “
Tolerate it? The SOB DIRECTED it.
Impeach now!
September 21st, 2006 at 11:40 amAnd this is surprising to whom?
September 21st, 2006 at 11:41 amChimpy LOVES to rub other men’s heads…this isn’t the first time he’s done it. Obviously a manifestation of Chimpy’s closet-case sexuality.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:42 am“the bigoted Clinton administration”? Bullshit.
Go back to your red state and marry your sister, paul.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:45 amOff thread but a thought to consider:
A sure winner in 2008 if we can get them to run against DUHbya: Two perceptive leaders–
Chavez/Ahamadinejad
September 21st, 2006 at 11:46 amHey Joe,
September 21st, 2006 at 11:49 amIn the “Caught on Tape” thread this morning some people were talking about you. Take a look at posts #8 and #13.
A little slow on the Wal-Mart news this morning, aren’t we?
September 21st, 2006 at 11:50 amHugo Chavez got the biggest standing ovation and most applause of any of the speakers at the UN this week. They applauded for so long that UN staffers had to quiet them down because they were making the next speaker late.
Chimpy, OTOH, said “nu-ku-lar” twice in one paragraph of his speech, sounding like the ignoramus he really is. Obviously Chimpy was dropped on his head by Barbara Bush…after she pickled him in the womb.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:51 am“Government business shall be conducted in a manner above reproach and…with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none.†President Bush should not tolerate this blantant violation of the public trust.
For god’s sake he tortures and kills people, you think graft to cronies is going to bother him?
September 21st, 2006 at 11:53 amwhat does the Justice Department care about federal law? If they did, the big joke is that there is so much corruption in the Bush administration that they would never be able to prosecute the caseload.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:53 amAw, c’mon! He’s patting good old Alphonso on the head to show what a ‘good little boy” he’s been, what more do people want? Why, this picture alone will pick up, what, 1, maybe 2 votes for republicans from blacks?
Cronies rule!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:00 pmHey Joe, In the “Caught on Tape†thread this morning some people were talking about you.
Comment by dlet
Thanks for pointing those posts out. I read them and have to agree, really.
I’m like Paul #4 and a lot of the other mushrooms in America: Hiding in the dark of a basement, waiting for Bushco or Faux News to open the door and throw some shit down on me.
September 21st, 2006 at 12:04 pmIt really is stupid that an adult, the president of the United States, pronounces nuclear like a 6-year-old child.
“I don’t have to pronounce it. I just have to push the button.”
September 21st, 2006 at 12:13 pmBush seriously has a fetish for bald men. Check out this hilarious link!
http://www.fundumper.com/funny/bush-loves-bald-men.htm
September 21st, 2006 at 12:15 pmThis picture say’s it all, more disgusting photo op’s by the worst president in the history of our country….Why this fool didn’t bitch slap bull shit bush is beyond me, I would have knocked his sorry ass to the ground if he had done that stunt to me…….No class basterd is all bush is….No matter how much lipstick you put on a pig it’s still a pig…..Blessings
September 21st, 2006 at 12:16 pmMore of the same.
September 21st, 2006 at 12:28 pmThere you go again Sharon–stealing my heart away!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:28 pmHeckuva job, Alphie!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:30 pmHere’s an even better link of Bush’s love for bald heads. There are 16 real pictures of Bush just touching people’s heads for no reason. Bush is a weird WEIRD guy! Maybe the real reason we invaded Iraq was so that Bush can touch Saddam’s head? There’s gotta be a rule against that in the Geneva Convention.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trentology/sets/879649/
September 21st, 2006 at 12:32 pmThis is simply disgusting.
September 21st, 2006 at 12:33 pmMore “smoking gun-proof positive” that the corruption goes to the top!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:36 pmThis administration has ten Nixons beat in terms of flagrant corruption! Wow!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:37 pmTom3. I could go to the U.N. and get more applause than Hugo Chavez. Here’s how.
Me: You know, rich people shouldn’t have all the money and power. They didn’t earn it, you did. Give me more power and I will take money and power from those who have it and give it to you.
U.N. delegates: Hooray!
Another thing: Bush, in your estimation, is an incredible idiot; best case. What does that say about the twice beaten Democratic party?
September 21st, 2006 at 12:41 pmFor more background on Jackson and other Bush administration officials using their offices for partisan political purposes, see:
“The Bush Cabinet’s cult of Personality.”
September 21st, 2006 at 12:43 pm“President Bush should not tolerate this blantant violation of the public trust.”
Bush not only tolerates this type of violation, but encourages it, in every cabinet of the government including the Justice department.
September 21st, 2006 at 12:48 pmpaul–on THIS thread, you’re squealing about how ‘the rich EARN their money and everyone’s just jealous!”?
September 21st, 2006 at 12:59 pmpaul, Bush’s successful stealing of two elections really points out the idiocy of his followers, like you. too stupid to come in out of the shitstorm they caused. You’re using the same talking points you’ve glommed onto for 5 years now, and they make even less sense now that the results of W presiduncy are in. he a complete and total failure on every level by every measure, from 9/11 (FAILURE) to Katrina (FAILURE) to social security (FAILURE) to global warming (FAILURE) to Osama (FAILURE) to Iraq (FAILURE) to energy prices (FAILURE) to constitutional protections (FAILURE), among many other FAILURES. His only successes are to keep fooling the fools like you.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:11 pmIf I agreed with everything you’re saying, I could still ask the question – why are your representatives unable to convince Americans to change?
September 21st, 2006 at 1:26 pmMy curiosity is wetted: is HUD Chief of Staff Camille Pierce any relation to “sleepy Sam” Pierce, who mismanaged Hud in the 80’s?
September 21st, 2006 at 1:28 pmBush’s crowd awarded contracts/jobs to political allies because Bush is a “Uniter, not a Divider.”
September 21st, 2006 at 1:29 pmI could still ask the question – why are your representatives unable to convince Americans to change?
Comment by paul — September 21, 2006 @ 1:26 pm
Corporate controlled media.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:31 pmDoesn’t this administration know that when they award contracts they are only required to discriminate on the basis of race? I think the code words used for such racial discrimination are: “goals”, “affirmative action” and other cute euphemisms.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:34 pmStill no news on Wal-Mart? Are you sure? Maybe a closer look…
There has to be something in the news today about Wal-Mart. I could have sworn I heard it a few times. Who knows, maybe it was just blatantly one-sided reporting giving damning evidence but leaving out the evidence that supports their own point of view because their credibility is shot.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:34 pmMy theory is that Bush is gearing up to run for governor here in Illinois.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:37 pm[...] [link][more] [...]
September 21st, 2006 at 1:41 pmWhat do you mean “…Bush should not tolerate this behavior”?
Where do you think the mandate came from?
September 21st, 2006 at 1:47 pmSince DUHbya is a bald-faced liar he should appreciate a bald-headed liar.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:49 pmpaul #33
Because many of them (you included) are ignorant bigots and greedy, racist, inbred pigs…
Tom #37
…Read ronjazz #32…
…and the response to paul above…
…this means YOU!
September 21st, 2006 at 1:54 pmI am hoping that Judd was being sarcastic with the last line of his post. But if he wasn’t, I can’t believe he said it. He must know that it is BushCo’s SOP. As for his ‘attraction’ to the ‘follicly-challenged’, I hope he asks permission first, otherwise it is VERY rude. I have a weakness for ’squishy baby cheeks’ myself, but I always ask the parents first. After about 6 mo., they aren’t as squishy. :(
September 21st, 2006 at 2:16 pmMove along, you’ve all seen scams, corruption bribery, it’s Bushites at work, nothing out of the ordinary, all normal.
September 21st, 2006 at 2:18 pmNothing to see here.
Where’s that wool when I need something to pull over my eyes?
this reminds me of the bush ‘monica moment’;
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/Y/b/bush_monica_moment.jpg
September 21st, 2006 at 2:31 pmthe most unfortunate thing about this is… so there’s a 340 page report and not a single person will do a single thing to hold phonzie accountable. i would be SHOCKED to see him repremanded or penalized or even slapped on the wrist. it just won’t happen with the rubber stamp congress and the enablers like gonzo in justice dept.
September 21st, 2006 at 3:00 pmWhy would Clinton want to hire this guy, no matter what color his skin is? Way to focus on race.
September 21st, 2006 at 3:26 pm#46 the wool is in a box with the blue dress by the Rose Law Firm billing records next to the pardon for mark rich.
September 21st, 2006 at 3:28 pm#4
Paul.
When I first read your comment – I thought you were being sarcastic.
Then I read your other comments and quickly realized that you are in fact … stupid …
A handful of African Americans had very high level positions in the Clinton Adminstration including Terry Edmonds – the first ( ever ) African American speech writer in the White House.
Your imagination and actual history are two differnt things.
September 21st, 2006 at 3:46 pm# 37
Tom.
You want to talk about affirmative action?
THIS is affirmative action:
“GOP Loyalty Dictated Who Would Rebuild Iraq”
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003262370_iraqcpa17.html?syndication=rss
September 21st, 2006 at 3:49 pm“resident Bush should not tolerate this blantant violation of the public trust.”
HILARIOUS. Really, you are TOO funny.
September 21st, 2006 at 4:46 pmGood thing this photo doesn’t go below the waist.
I don’t want to see how excited Chimpy is getting by rubbing this bald Oreo’s head.
Chimpy is GAY.
September 21st, 2006 at 4:50 pmReminds me of an episode of Diff’rent Strokes.
September 21st, 2006 at 5:01 pmCaption Contest?
“Oh George, thanks for the cuppy”
I made up cuppy. Guess what it is?
September 21st, 2006 at 5:02 pm[...] [Remember when Jackson told a group of minority business people that he had canceled a contract because the contractor insulted President Bush? Think Progress says that incident is what prompted this investigation.—Caro] [...]
September 21st, 2006 at 6:31 pm#46 the wool is in a box with the blue dress by the Rose Law Firm billing records next to the pardon for mark rich.
Is that the pardon his attorney, Scooter Libby, got for him?
September 21st, 2006 at 7:12 pm#52. Okay, I’m an idiot, but if you do a quick head count of blacks, women and hispanics in higher cabinet level positions, we all know whose got the more inclusive administration. I’m just saying, the old mantra of republicans being bigoted, racist and sexiest (i couldn’t spell cheavanist) is losing a little steam.
September 21st, 2006 at 7:15 pm#60
Sincere apologies for the ill-tempered comment.
Moving on to your response – as I read the 3 comments that preceded yours – none of them said anything about the republicans being bigoted, racist or sexist.
#1 – “Katy” – seemed amused by the silliness of the photo and
#2 and #3 specifically mentioned their disdain for how corrupt the Bush administration is.
You introduced the issue of racism by saying the guy couldn’t get a job in the so-called “bigoted” Clinton administration.
So if you feel the mantra is losing “a little steam” – it would be wise not to add steam to mantra, right?
Take it is easy, Paul.
September 21st, 2006 at 7:51 pmPaul, not meaning to nit-pick but your use of the word “sexiest” in lieu of “sexist” reminds me of the scene in This is Spinal Tap where the record label executive tells the band that the album cover for their record, “Sniff the Glove” is sexist, to which the lead singer says, “What’s the matter with being sexy?”
(Sorry, I have flash backs to 1984 every so often …)
September 21st, 2006 at 10:40 pmWell all the pics of Bush getting excited patting the bald heads of guys proves one thing: buzz-cut baldy Jeff Gannon turned Bush on sexually!
September 22nd, 2006 at 1:57 am#62 Dave,
Not to nit-pick, bit the album was called “Smell the Glove”. That movie is one of the all-time best movies ever made. And it has one of the best lines: “These go to eleven.” :)
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:06 amjackson must be one of them trepanning types
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:58 am#60 Paul, believe me when I say, NO ONE HAS EVER SAID THAT REPUBLICANS ARE SEXIEST!
Excuse me while I barf!
September 22nd, 2006 at 10:27 amIt’s all about robbing the US treasury, destroying public education, money and power, power and money and changing the structure of our democratic society to control the masses. Rather it be Iraq ripoffs, Katrina ripoffs, health care, drugs, or education. The entire republican party has became a tool of destruction by the rich elite. They have no morals, they are Un-American. How ignorant of thee that believe their lies.
September 22nd, 2006 at 12:18 pmDave
Sharon Cox #20
Such language young lady!
I’m apalled!
…now go straight to your room, say three hail Mary’s…
…and re-post in the morning…
September 22nd, 2006 at 2:27 pmWayne (No. 62) – “Sniff,” “Smell” – what’s the difference? (Actually, I think that’s similar to the scene I was referring to: when the record exec says, “Sexist, not sexy,” he replies, “What’s the difference?” or something like that.)
Anyhoo … You are right about “these go to 11,” but I heard that after the movie came out, Marshall actually started making amps with the dials that went to 11 – totally ruining the damn joke! Sigh …
September 23rd, 2006 at 2:51 pm[...] (Click to see how Hastert used political power to pocket $2million for personal gain.) Back to blaming your bad judgement and evils deeds on the ole devil’s rum, there’s Rep. Bob Ney who admitted to selling his House votes for special interest lobbyists. Blamed on alcoholism. And Tom Delay fought to the bitter end to avoid personal responsibility for his involvement in illegal campaign contributions. Republican Senator George Allen refuses to admit responsibility for racial remarks and RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman consistantly refused to admit any involvement with mega-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, even after the evidence poured in! One of my favorites, bush’s loyal appointee as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development when faced with his quote that he cancelled the contract with an organization that criticized bush, said he lied when he made the comment. Then when faced with proof that he tried to force his staff to award contracts only to bush supporters, said the fact that his staff mostly ignored his demands as proof that nothing illegal or unethical has been done! My god. [...]
October 4th, 2006 at 5:14 pm[...] George Bush, at the behest of the PNAC, heaves the proverbial brick through the window of a baker’s shop in starting a war with Iraq and inviting Terrorists to join in the fray – Bring Them On. The public gathers, and begins to stare with quiet satisfaction at the burning buildings, Shock and Awe, and the lack of WMD being deployed against the troops. After a while the public feels the need for philosophic reflection. And several of its members are almost certain to remind each other that, after all, the misfortune has its bright side. It will make business for some, including Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Halliburton and everyone else awarded no-contest contracts. As they begin to think of this they elaborate upon it. How much does the Iraq war cost? Three hundred billion? That current total is quite a sum. After all, if windows were never broken, what would happen to the industrial military manufacturing corporations? Then, of course, the thing is endless. The billionaires have more to spend with other merchants, and these in turn will have more to spend with still other merchants, and so ad infinitum. The war will go on providing money and employment in ever-widening circles. The logical conclusion from all this would be, if the crowd drew it, that the little hoodlum who threw the brick started the war, far from being a public menace, was a public benefactor. [...]
January 4th, 2007 at 3:10 pm[...] contract. A former HUD assistant secretary confirmed that Jackson told agency employees to “consider presidential supporters when you are considering the selected candidates for discretionary [...]
March 31st, 2008 at 10:28 am