Calls for Investigation Increase Over Bribes Accepted by Senator Puckett

Phillip "I'm a Sleazy Whore" Puckett

Usually it is the Republicans who sell themselves out as if they were cheap tawdry whores to the highest bidder.  Sadly, Virginia State Senator Phillip P. Puckett (D-Russell) has proved that the Republicans do not have a monopoly on those  who are sleazy whores and willing to sell their souls and morality for the right price.  Of course, Puckett prostituted himself in exchange for a six figure job and a judgeship for his daughter promised by Republicans. It goes without saying that Puckett needs to be investigated for accepting bribes.  As for his daughter, if she accepts an appointment engineered by the GOP controlled House of Delegates she will have provided prima facie evidence that she is unfit for judicial office.  Adding to the irony is the fact that one of the engineers of Puckett's self-prostitution is Terry Kilgore, brother of closeted failed gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore (Kilgore set mu gaydar off even more than Ralph Reed).  Here are highlights from the Washington Post (per statements made on Rachel Maddow's show, the FBI may be about to investigate the apparent bribery):

Republicans appear to have outmaneuvered Gov. Terry McAuliffe in a state budget standoff by persuading a Democratic senator to resign his seat, at least temporarily giving the GOP control of the chamber and possibly dooming the governor’s push to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Sen. Phillip P. Puckett (D-Russell) will announce his resignation Monday, effective immediately, paving the way to appoint his daughter to a judgeship and Puckett to the job of deputy director of the state tobacco commission, three people familiar with the plan said Sunday. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
 
The news prompted outrage among Democrats — and accusations that Republicans were trying to buy the Senate with job offers in order to thwart McAuliffe’s proposal to expand health coverage to 400,000 low-income Virginians.

Del. Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax) said Republicans were unable to win the policy argument about Medicaid expansion, so they have resorted to other means.

In a statement, McAuliffe (D) acknowledged that Puckett’s resignation had created “uncertainty” for his plan to expand the federal-state health program for the poor to 400,000 uninsured Virginians. But he contended that he still had a majority of the Senate on his side.

Del. Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott), chairman of the commission, confirmed that its executive committee is expected to meet and consider appointing him, perhaps this week.

Kilgore disputed the notion that Puckett was resigning in exchange for the tobacco commission job, but he said the resignation made Puckett available to take the position, which involves awarding economic development grants funded by the national tobacco litigation settlement. Puckett’s salary would be determined by the commission, Kilgore said.

Puckett’s exit does not immediately sink McAuliffe’s chances in the Senate because three moderate Republicans in that chamber support expansion. But some of McAuliffe’s Senate allies have recently signaled their discomfort with the idea of letting the Medicaid push trigger a government shutdown.

And the resignation will come as two prominent Democrats are out of Virginia. Saslaw is in California visiting his newborn grandchild. Sen. Janet D. Howell (D-Fairfax) is leaving on Thursday on a trip to South Africa that is expected to last through June 24. But she said she will return earlier if she is needed.

A pox on Puckett and his daughter.  I truly hoe a corruption investigation ensues and that BOTH their careers end up going down the proverbial toilet.