NRCC Goes After Childers For Huckabee Comments
Over the weekend, Brad Morris- chief of staff for Rep. Childers- said this about former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee: “Why would he bring in a guy who lets murderers loose on the street?” During his time as governor, Huckabee granted clemency to an Arkansas inmate who is now accused of killing four Washington state police officers.
Huckabee still maintains a high profile in GOP circles, and will be hosting a fundraiser for Alan Nunnelee next week.
The National Republican Congressional Committee hit back saying this about Childers’ ties (and support) for Joey Langston:
Childers wrote a fawning leniency letter for ex-business partner Joey Langston, a criminal convicted of corruptly influencing a judge on behalf of disgraced trial lawyer Dickie Scruggs:
“Here are some of the comments from the nearly 340 letters to [U.S. District Chief Judge Michael P.] Mills, most asking for leniency for Langston, 51…Travis Childers, U.S. congressman, longtime friend…I only wish that every town and county in American had someone like Joey Langston. I ask you again for leniency to my friend, Joey Langston — a man who may have gotten sidetracked but has never lost his way and never will.” (Patsy Brumfield, “Langston Letters: What do some writers say?” Daily Journal, 12/13/08)
“Langston’s storied legal career began to crumble last year after Scruggs and several associates were indicted on charges of conspiring to bribe a Lafayette County judge. Scruggs, famous for leading the charge against tobacco companies in the 1990s, is already serving a five-year sentence. Langston was Scruggs’ lawyer at the time, but it didn’t take long for Langston to become a target in the FBI’s investigation. He pleaded guilty in January to conspiring to corruptly influence Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter, allegedly on Scruggs’ behalf.” (Holbrook Mohr, “Langston to be sentenced for bribery conspiracy,” Associated Press, 12/13/08)
Really Travis? I read Kings of Tort last month and I was so grossed out by Travis Childers and his pleading for Joey Langston. I wonder how much Langston influenced the election for Childers with his ill gotten money. Huckabee did nothing wrong. The man in question was over sentenced according to sentencing guidelines. This reeks of desperation.
Childers is a hypocrite! I hear that he is going to come back down and try to appeal to Dist. 1 as a moderate! I say to all of you who know what kind of a hypocritical eyesore he is be prepared to join together to defeat him after the primaries. To those of you who do not know
go look at his voting record not just in the House but in the House committees that he serves on. John Kerry does not hold a candle to Childers when it comes to voting for somthing before I voted agianst it!
Amber.. a read a book discussing golden eggs coming from a goose….. dont believe everything you read….. you think that if Langston used his “ill gotten” funds to “wrongfully influence” Childers’ election, wouldn’t those expenditures have been discovered in the investigation that happened last year? broad claims such as this, especially ones that lack any hardline evidence, weaken the opinion of citizen politicians everywhere, especially in a political climate as limited as mississippi. i havent checked yet, but im sure that huckabees “forgiveness” is DOCUMENTED.
John I am speaking of his money in general, nothing illegal just the power of influence. As far as Huckabee goes he reduced the sentence of a teenager who was over sentenced. As much as it pains me to say, minorities which this man is, are over sentenced in our society. Why didn’t the state he committed child rape in have him locked up. Honestly you can say what you want, I believe Alan Lang and his book. I also believe Huckabee gave someone a chance. But I am disgusted that my rep would plead to a judge for his friend after he corrupted the judical system. There is nothing wrong with standing by someone who does something wrong my problem was that Travis Chicken did not believe his friend should do jail time. Are you saying the sentencing letters do not exist? To bad Travis is not a Judge Lackey. To bad Joey did not have to forfiet assets.
I voted for Huckabee in 2008 and I occassionally watch his show, but it is completely valid to question Huckabee judgement for commuting Maurice Clemmons sentencing, which led to an early parole. Of course Huckabee did not intentionally release a cop killer, but you can’t just give Huckabee a free pass too. His judgement has taken a serious hit. Childers used poor judgement in supporting Langston as well. Although, no one ended up dead from it that I am aware of it.
In cases like this, its hard to argue with someones beliefs. I know many, many people use the book as the map for this situation. I cant blame them because they have something to confide in that mirrors how they feel (ie. conservative watching fox news). However, I am looking forward to the next few years when hopefully some of these other guys involved put their opinions into literature.
and yes amber, I am aware that the letters exist. Its basically the main thing that is used against Childers. But I do think that politicians can support those who have supported them.
Didn’t Joey plead guilty? Travis said himself he wished he could make it all go away and begged for no jail time. What? I have no problem with Travis standing by his friend in fact that is endearing but I have a great deal of issue with those letters. Langston was priveledged and educated, he knew what he did was wrong. He took a vow to uphold the law he broke. Childers was hoping his new found position would help his friend. My dad told my sister and me growing up if we told the truth he would stand by us. He never said I’ll get you out of it. This is wierd for you to be so intent on this. I don’t understand your sympathies. The book by Lang was so well documented and I also researched it on my own. People make mistakes and always will, the question of character comes in how those mistakes are handled by that person as well as those around them. The Fox News comment outed you. Straight up liberal. You’ ll grow up someday and join the real world.
Don’t you just love liberals? When it is there own party they are” just supporting those who supported them”.
I mean he admitted he was guilty. What more do you want? Why should they be forced to pay for there crimes like everyone else?
Sure, looking back it was a mistake for Huckabee to set the man free but ethically he was bound to do so.
The difference is Langston had no ethics of his own and took advantage of his power. Yes he admitted his guilt but only after he was caught dead to rights. Langston is only getting this consideration because he has “friends in high places”. We all know that.
Huckabee tried to give someone a break and it blew up in his face. Have we all not make mistakes in good faith?
Childers made a willfull and delibrate attempt at getting a crimnial off only because they were pals. If you can not see the difference in the two stories then you may be too emotionally envolved in the story.
Childers will be wise to remember that a wise man does not build his house (campaign) on
the sand (smoke & mirrors) for when storms (the truth) comes the House (pun intended) will crumble and he will loose his seat. Or something like that.
You are correct. I do stand by liberals in the south. Nonetheless, I find it very interesting that these simple arguments can cause such an uproar. Peace, Love, and Pelosi!
John Q you are a fun blogger. It is hard to find people to go back and forth with who do not get upset and angry. Stay in touch! We need to work on keeping you grounded in the GOP truth. Ha! Ha! Plus you can give us the behind the scenes scoop on what you libs are up to.
Back at ya with the Peace, Love and Pawlenty. That is how it supposed to be said.
very clever “peace, love,….” comeback. I am new to this blog, and now I plan to keep an eye on it. I better be careful. If 1 liberal falls to the dark side in these times, who knows what will happen. Dominos anyone?
John Q I think there is hope for you. How does the saying go Show me you friends I’ll show you your future. Guess what you are my new BFF.
John Q why did you leave off the best part of my comback? I will be honest I had to look it up to spell it correctly. Don’t be worried about falling to us we are to busy stabbing each other to convert anyone. Go read “Democrats Excited To See Crowded Primary In MS-01″ especially at the bottom it gets very intense. I am sure you will get a laugh out of it.
Peace Love & P________ you fill in the blank.
Here’s one of the best articles that I’ve read on the Huckabee/Clemmons issue: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/four-errors-in-the-war-against-huckabee/
He didn’t do anything wrong. A lot of other people did, though. Huckabee only did exactly what a good governor is supposed to do.
Childers was WAY off base making a false accusation like that. He should do a little homework before stating that someone of Huckabee’s stature, “…lets murderers loose on the street”. Clemmons was not a murderer, when he was in Arkansas.
Childers just made a fool of himself to the public.