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The Wit and Wisdom of Don Young
For the most part, here at TPMmuckraker we've only quoted Rep. Don Young (R-AK) threatening to bite a fellow congressman like an Alaskan mink. It turns out he has much more to say.
In an interview with the AP, he covers topics ranging from his hot temper to the campaign dollars former Veco CEO Bill Allen, who has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, has given him over the years. And now we know where Young stands on Machiavelli's question of whether it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved (feared). Unfortunately, Young said that he couldn't comment on the ongoing investigation. But he had plenty to say nonetheless. From the interview:
Q. Let me ask you your assessment of two things: the investigations and your short temper that is well-known there - is that ultimately hurting the state?A. No, no. People don’t understand this, you know? I have found no weakness in the Congress at all. You will find no one who does not respect me in the Congress. You may find some that don’t like me. That doesn’t bother me.
...
Q. Bill Allen’s been in the news, and you’ve had some association with him. What can you tell us about that association? His employees have donated $150,000 over 10 years.
A. Figure it out. Ten years, $150,000. It’s what, $20,000 or less a year. That’s not very much money.
Q. Some state representatives have returned money to these people. Do you have any plans to do that?
A. No.
And on next year's election:
Q. To the election, Democrats are smelling blood in the water. ...A. According to the paper.
Q. Do you think you’re vulnerable?
A. No. I think it’s going to be a different race....
Q. Any idea what we’re going to see differently?
A. Well, I think the standard thing will be raising all these cloudy questions. That’s fine just remember; those that cast stones better damn well better not live in a glass house.
Q. You know stuff?
A. Let’s put it this way, I’m not just going to sit and let everybody beat me up. It’ll make for an exciting campaign.
Comments (6)
milo wrote on August 8, 2007 2:44 PM:Figure it out. Ten years, $150,000. It’s what, $20,000 or less a year. That’s not very much money.
Can we just institute a test. A simple test: If you cannot divide by 10 and get the correct answer, you may not serve in Congress.
Anonymous wrote on August 8, 2007 3:19 PM:Just for comparison sake: Even getting the math right - $15,000 is thousands more than a minimum wage worker would make working an entire year, full time. But just chump change for Don. . . .
Yossarian wrote on August 8, 2007 3:49 PM:Yes, Don Young is corrupt that is for sure. I don't even need any evidence to persuade me of that but what he is saying about next year's elections is absolutely true. The dems are not going to win any more seats and he will be elected no matter what. If anything the dems are headed for a crushing defeat not only in the congressional races but also in the presidential race in 2008. They will lose so badly that the party will be a neutered reflection of what the repukelicans used to be in the mid to late 70s. So give Don his dues. He is right about winning next year and not only that he will win in a land slide.
Frank G. wrote on August 8, 2007 3:54 PM:Milo, you're right on. Check out Jake's website - he had the same reaction as you. www.jake2008.com
thomas wrote on August 8, 2007 3:56 PM:Alaska seems to be giving Illinois, Maryland, Louisanna and New Jersy a good name. Never thought that could happen.
Mr. Flood's Party wrote on August 8, 2007 4:04 PM:If Don Young runs, he'll lose. He's finally got a formidable opponent, Jake Metcalfe, and by next year the FBI will be closing in on Young.
Yesterday, Ted Stevens flew in to Anchorage and spoke to the Rotary. The news said "a handful" of supporters met the plane - that says it all. The Republicans couldn't drum up a crowd? In the past, it would've been a mandatory formation. Now they beat the bushes for a handful of patsies willing to hold pro-Ted signs (all made by the same person at Republican Headquarters, I'd say).
The writing's on the wall. Bye Bye, Ted, Lisa & Don.