PMA,a high powered group of lobbyists that specializes in getting billions of defense contracts for its clients is currently being investigated by the FBI. The investigation started last November when the FBI raided the offices of PMA, but it was this week they were forced to shut down.
So who is being looked at as nervous lawmakers wait for all their earmarks to be examined by their constituents?
US Rep. Michael Capuano (D) Mass. received $60,000 for his campaign from donors tied to a firm probed by the FBI (PMA). Capuano has asked earmarks of 4.4 million for PMA clients.
US Rep. Peter Visclosky (D) In. received $370,000 for his campaign just this year alone! He is also chairman for House appropriations subcommittee on energy and water. Visclosky has power over federal spending. Since the investigation, he has amended a few tax returns. This guy has most ties with PMA lobbyists. Over the past two years he has earmarked more than 33 million for PMA clients.
US Rep. John Murtha (D) Pa. We know Murtha has steered 100's of millions toward PMA clients over the past decade.
Here's the problem: The FBI suspects that "straw men donors" are being used to funnel campaign donations into lawmakers hands...like the ones mentioned above.
Politco writes about and Murtha's staff reaction: With all this controversy swirling around him, Murtha has remained largely silent. Democratic insiders and Murtha confidants say Murtha has essentially cut them off from discussing the PMA controversy, and he won’t discuss how he should respond to the situation.
Information on the PMA FBI investigation comes from the media in jagged and piecemeal bits.
