Goode silent on Cunningham.

The Martinsville Bulletin — a pretty important paper in the scope of the Fifth District — asked Rep. Virgil Goode what he thought about Duke Cunningham’s confession to accepting bribes from MZM and subsequent resignation. Goode’s response resulted in the sort of headline that he probably didn’t want to see in the Bulletin: “Goode makes …

But who will defend apple pie?

I love the jab (presumably unintentional) at Falwell’s crusade in this AP article: The Rev. Jerry Falwell is marshaling his forces to keep “Merry Christmas,” “Silent Night” and other religious references from being banished this holiday season. (Emphasis mine.) My favorite part of this wholly-manufactured crisis (note that there’s no forces opposing saying “merry Christmas,” …

Roanoke Times on Goode/MZM.

In their lead editorial today, the Roanoke Times writes: U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount, has received more than $80,000 in campaign donations from MZM employees in the last two election cycles. According to The Washington Post, Goode was the principal sponsor of a provision in defense legislation that created a military center in his …

MZM investigation ongoing.

The AP says that the MZM investigation isn’t ending with Duke Cunningham, it’s starting with Duke Cunningham: Cunningham, who could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Feb. 27 on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion, may not be the only person ensnared in the case. Prosecutors have …

Warner commutes Lovitt sentence.

Governor Warner has commuted the sentence of Robin Lovitt, giving the man life in prison, rather than the death sentence. Lovitt’s death penalty was on the basis of one man’s testimony, who said he was only 80% sure that he had the right guy; evidence that may have exonerated him was destroyed by the state. …

Mike Shear: VA Dems. accepted $1.3M in (legally) undisclosed contributions near the end of the race. Of course, VA Dems. aren’t tied to Abramoff, unlike Bob McDonnell.

Accounting of MZM bribes.

This list of bribes that Duke Cunningham accepted from MZM, Inc. is impressive: $200,000 toward the purchase of his Arlington, Va., condominium. $140,000 to a third party for the “Duke-Stir” yacht, which was moved to his boat slip for his use. $16,867.13 to a marine services company for repairs to his own yacht, the “Kelly …