Bratton to Homeland Security?
Speculation continues to focus on both Sheriff Lee Baca and LAPD Chief William Bratton as potential candidates for the Secretary of Homeland Security position, particularly since Bratton's successor Bernard Kerik's withdrawl has brought about more questions than answers. In fact, the Providence (Rhode Island) Journal is now plugging for Bratton as is the Dallas Morning News.
The alleged scandals revolving around Kerik range from hiring an illegal alien maid, not paying taxes on her income to selling stock options in a firm doing business with NYPD and more. Some of the more titiliating details involve an alleged affair with conservative book publisher Judith Regan. However, a report on Matt Drudge's website takes those details a step further:
An apartment near the World Trade Center site that former Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik used to engage in an extramarital affair with publisher Judith Regan, was originally donated for the use of weary police and rescue workers who were helping after 9-11! One bedroom faced the pit of ground zero... Regan would visit it while Kerik was police commissioner, meaning between Sept. 11 and Dec. 31, 2001. Kerik refused to answer any questions Tuesday regarding the apt... NYT planning coverage... Developing...In addition to Bratton and Baca, several other interesting possibilities are being floated such as South Bay Congresswoman Jane Harman.
The latest speculation is focusing around former Vice Presidential Candidate and Connecticut Senator, Joe Lieberman as well as current undersecretary Asa Hutchinson. Its more likely that at this point Bush will go with a known quantity, already vetted, such as Liberman or Hutchinson as opposed to an outsider like Bratton, Baca or Harmon. Though Bratton doesn't seem to be as tainted as Kerik or his mentor former Mayor Rudy Giuliaini, he may suffer from guilt by association. Baca and Harmon are not likely to be chosen either.
Bush would have no problem getting Lieberman through the confirmation process as a conservative Democrat respected on both sides of the aisle, but does the Senator want the job? There is really little upside for him as he is slated for an easy re-election in 2006. Hutchinson on the other hand would get strong GOP support, but as one of President Clinton's chief accusers during the impeachment trial, Democrats may want to make hay. Stay tuned.
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 12/15/2004 12:00:00 AM
12 Comments:
Hey, leave Kerik alone. He had to do something to relieve the stress.
This city will lose one of the best Chief's we've had in years (no offense Chief Parker) if Bratton goes. This city has treated him horribly and done nothing but critize all his hard work with a handful of officers trying to keep crime down. He's done a great job and we need to show him how much we appreciate him.
Guiliani will never let it happen. He does not have kind words for his former chief. Notice no one is floating former Chief Parks name around....
Yeah but Guilani is has major pie on his face right now. Damn, how could you not know that Bernie has mob connections? They all went to his wedding. This guy is sounding sleazier by the minute. Guilani knew damn well it wasn't the maid issue and they both tried to hide things from the FBI and got nailed. People in NY are saying its hurt Guilani's crediability.
Rudy f'ed up big time. He got a little cocky. Bush is PISSED at him. There are GOP operatives who have made it clear there is NO future for Rudy.
Hillary must be thrilled.
They tried to pull a fast one over Bush and they ended up making everyone look pretty damn stupid. In this day and age of kiss and tell media you know every little thing you do will eventually come out. Women come out of the woodwork especially when you burn them for another woman. Bad move on Bernie with Reagan. As they say "a woman scorn." Now we're finding out he used an apt. after telling the owner it was for relief workers clearing out the mess from 9/11 to rest. Sleazy. Rudy has no room to talk about Bratton now. All I can say is 'WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND EVENTUALLY.
Bratton must also be thrilled. Word is he HATES Rudy and Bernie.
Although LAPD command staff has some great leaders, if Bratton ever LA this city would be up shit creek. It will send the wrong message to the entire country. We treated a great chief like crap and he left for a greener pasture. I'm hoping Bratton is more loyal than that and won't go but the way these lame ass politicans have critized his every move (Parks who is the last person to critize) I wouldn't blame him at all and wish him the best.
MAYOR SAM I AM APPALLED THAT YOU WOULD HAVE A ANTI-CHIEF BRATTON LINK ON THIS WEBSITE. I CAN SEE THAT YOU ARE CERTAINLY LOSING PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG. YOU USE TO GET AS MANY AT 29 PEOPLE IN ONE DAY RESPONDING BUT NOT IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS.
THIS CITY APPRECIATES AND LOVE WHAT CHIEF BRATTON HAS DONE WITH LITTLE RESOURCES IN THIS CITY. I AM INSULTED THAT YOU WOULD PUT SUCH HATRED FOR HIM HERE. YOU MIGHT AS WELL PUT UP A LINK FOR THE KKK. YOU SHOULD REALLY BE ASHAMED.
Moron,
We post links here for blogs, websites, publications and broadcasters of VARIOUS points of view. We do this a service to our readers to give them easy access to other points of view.
If you don't want to read my god damn blog, go gargle with razor blades! There is still freedom of fucking speech in this country.
We are not here to kiss ass to your sacred cows. Bratton's a big boy, he can take it. If you are in public office, get ready to be criticized.
Warm regards,
Mayor Sam
I don't agree with everything Hal Netkin says on his Bratton site, but there is one example of arrogance that is not unique to Bratton but LA pols in general:
The following is from an appearance by Bratton on KABC radio:
Caller Steve (regarding Special Order 40): "The rest of your arguments are humorous. They're here illegally his job is to uphold the law."
Chief Bratton: "In as much as California has pretty much indicated that they don't want us involved in that issue, we're out of that business. If you don't like it leave the state."
So Chief Bratton is saying if you disagree with him, leave the state.
How arrogant.
It's not arrogance it's the truth. Too many people who live here in LA just complain, whine and say how horrible LA is. Then I agree if you don't like it move. Special Issue 40 is a Federal Issue not local. Go complain to the Feds who we pay our tax dollars to do a job.
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