It's time once again to play Name That Party. This time it's in Birmingham.
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was arrested this morning on federal charges and is being held at the federal courthouse, the FBI and other federal officials confirm.See documents and past stories from the investigation of Langford.
A special grand jury for several months has been investigating county bond deals and Langford's financial dealings. Langford was Jefferson County Commission president 2002-06.
Al LaPierre, a close friend of Langford's who also was part of the federal investigation, will be surrendering today, said his attorney, Tommy Spina.
David McKnight, Montgomery banker Bill Blount's attorney, said Blount is on his way to Birmingham from Montgomery to surrender.
The Langford, LaPierre and Blount indictments are under seal, so details of the charges are not available.
There's more.
Former Jefferson County Commissioner John Katopodis was indicted in October on fraud charges stemming from his involvement with Computer Help for Kids, a charity established by Langford when Langford was mayor of Fairfield. Katapodis was arraigned on those charges in mid-November.
Now the big Question is what party do John Katapodis and Larry Langford belong to? Are they Dimocrats or are they Dimocrats?
I know! I know! Today's Atlanta Urinal and Constipation had a story about it. Turns out they are Dimocrats although it took six paragraphs before they mentioned it.
Thanks to Allan for sending me the link to the first story.
Posted by denny at December 2, 2008 03:31 PMDon't you figure they're Dims as evidenced by the omission? Otherwise, it would have started, "Republican Mayor ..."
Posted by: Paul on December 2, 2008 09:04 PMI wonder if this is a case of honest or dishonest graft. In Chicago, I think this would be considered HONEST graft.
In the first line the book "Plunkitt of Tammany Hall", the author says
EVERYBODY is talkin’ these days about Tammany men growin’ rich on graft, but nobody thinks of drawin’ the distinction between honest graft and dishonest graft. There’s all the difference in the world between the two. Yes, many of our men have grown rich in politics. I have myself. I’ve made a big fortune out of the game, and I’m gettin’ richer every day, but I’ve not gone in for dishonest graft – blackmailin’ gamblers, saloonkeepers, disorderly people, etc. – and neither has any of the men who have made big fortunes in politics.
Posted by: Paul on December 3, 2008 11:49 AM