Last week during questioning about his living situation in Washington, DC, Republican Sen. Norm Coleman said that he would make photos available to show how small the space was. The photos, in theory, would justify the $600 a month rent, a price which brought him in the eye of political opponents and an ethics group.
But yesterday a DC staffer said no photos would be made available. The reason? Security.
“We consulted with the Capitol Police who advised that taking photos could pose a security risk,” said LeRoy Coleman, Coleman’s press secretary.
Well, that seems reasonable, except for this…
That’s right, the Coleman campaign broadcasted video of Norm’s house on television! Where was their concern for the Senator’s safety then?
Wow! This scandal is changing my mind. I don’t know how I can vote for a guy who gets an airy english basement to live in for only $600 a month when I have another guy who steals enough money from children’s charities to pay the going market rate where ever he’s calling home these days.
This is hard-hitting reporting, Zack. Looks like you have Norm on the ropes alright.
Has Wolf called yet?
Who’s to say the girlfriends knows the apartment but, pictures may trigger memories. Imagine the “Three’s Company” type follies that could follow with two girlfriends showing up an hour apart.
” Where was their concern for the Senator’s safety then?”
That was then, this is now, and it’s just another example of the consistent inconsistency that’s the hallmark of today’s GreedOverPrinciples party.
I’m neither a cop nor a lawyer, but…
“We consulted with the Capitol Police who advised that taking photos could pose a security risk,” said LeRoy Coleman, Coleman’s press secretary…
…Coleman campaign broadcasted [sic] video of Norm’s house on television! Where was their concern for the Senator’s safety then?
Because, assuming the video was shot in Norm’s actual house, the Capitol Police don’t have jurisdiction in Saint Paul…?
Mberg,
that is a retarded argument, probably the stupidest thing I have seen on MNPublius, not MDE of course though.
what kind of point were you trying to make there? there can only be security concerns where the Capital Police have jurisdiction?
Well speaking as a cop and a lawyer and a professional photographer (bar mitzvas a specialty), I think I’m qualified to weigh in on the jurisdiction of the Capitol Police:
“Additionally, we are responsible for protecting Members of Congress, Officers of the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and their families. We serve these individuals throughout the entire United States, its territories and possessions, and throughout the District of Columbia.”
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.php
Oh, and here’s somebody who’s not afraid to be photographed with his home CLEARLY VISIBLE! ALERT THE CAPITOL POLICE!!!
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/02_01/obamaMOS0202_468x365.jpg
Please do not call MBerg “retarded,” Yoni. He saved my life when we were paratroopers in the Israeli army. He’s always wrong, but he’s a pal of mine and I will be forced to fight you.
Because, assuming the video was shot in Norm’s actual house,
the Capitol Police don’t have jurisdiction in Saint Paul…?
From the US Capitol Police website:
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.php
“Additionally, we are responsible for protecting Members of Congress,
Officers of the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives,
and their families. We serve these individuals throughout the
entire United States, its territories and possessions,
and throughout the District of Columbia.”
Because, assuming the video was shot in Norm’s actual house,
the Capitol Police don’t have jurisdiction in Saint Paul…?
From the US Capitol Police website:
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.php
“Additionally, we are responsible for protecting Members of Congress,
Officers of the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives,
and their families. We serve these individuals throughout the
entire United States, its territories and possessions,
and throughout the District of Columbia.”
what a load of crap.
In this mornings strib, a reporter visits norms dungeon and gushes over the simplicity and appropriateness of everything. (Link: http://tinyurl.com/5ev7ts )
.. “the FedEx box turned nightstand “
.. his wet bar ..includes .. an empty wine cooler.
..The mini-fridge was well stocked with bottled water and yogurt. On the marble counters were granola bars and other snack food and the senator’s iron and ironing board.
..full-sized bed, covered with a mound of pillows.
.. Photos, including one of his family alongside President Bush, line the walls.
.. The neatly organized closet was all business: collared shirts, dress suits and a pile of black shoes on the floor.
..Jay Winik’s “The Great Upheaval” sat on the makeshift bedside table.
Did it ever occur to this breathless reporter that Coleman’s apartment was prepared for her to view? None of the things in the apartment are relevant. Does she think Coleman would have left a copy of Playboy on the bedside table?
And an ‘empty wine cooler’? How re-assuring! Coleman has every right to have a few bottles of wine in his apartment. The fact that the cooler is empty is evidence of the careful staging. Why would anything be empty in such a small space? If I lived in a 10-by-10 room, I would put spare socks in the wine cooler rather than leave it empty.
The reporter, Emily Kaiser, should have stuck to details about the size, the location, the view, and maybe visited a few similar $600 apartments in the area if she wanted to give us more than pre-staged fluff.
The unrestrained speculation that people have engaged in around the value of Coleman’s apartment has been entertaining as a Rorschach test for partisan hacks. Bobt is the perfect example of how some people only see what they want to see. While the Strib article is a bit silly it does cover the main points most have been clamoring for. Coleman’s accommodations seem to include a 10’x10’ bedroom, small bathroom and the part-time use of a living room/office with 7’ ceilings. While I agree that the descriptions about the refrigerator contents and pillows is superfluous it doesn’t change the other information and was hardly “gushing”.
After a few minutes of looking through DC craigslist under both apartments and shared spaces it appears that the rate Coleman is paying is within or very near market rate. In any event the idea that there would be an ethics investigation is simply a pipe dream of the uber partisan. The Senate is full of people who have would rather not have the press lift up the rock under which they reside. And about half of them are Democrats.
“After a few minutes of looking through DC craigslist under both apartments and shared spaces it appears that the rate Coleman is paying is within or very near market rate. ”
Yeah, “right.” Other people think diferently, and that’s why CREW filed an Ethics Complaint.
Team Smokescreen claimed they did the market research; ok, if they did, where is it?
This one stinks to high heaven, and the reason I’m not letting go is because (as usual!) the republiCons are acting so “holier than thou” when it comes to Franken.
TPT,
While without any real information on Coleman’s apartment the price seems very low which would be a reason a reason for concern on ethics grounds. The fact that one of the board members of CREW has donated to the Franken campaign disqualifies them as an unbiased source. If they were truly concerned with ethics their members would refrain from donating to campaigns. That they have gone after Democrats before does not change that.
What do you think market research for a $600 apartment would look like? Most people would do what I did and look over a couple of apartment sites like craigslist. If you are interested you can easily do the research yourself like I did.
You aren’t letting it go because you are simply not a rational person that blames others for your bad behavior.
mberg admits “I’m neither a cop nor a lawyer, but…”
You’re not much of anything else either mberg, unless you call a housing inspections scofflaw “something.”
” The fact that one of the board members of CREW has donated to the Franken campaign disqualifies them as an unbiased source.”
No, it doesn’t. But, I’m not at all surprised you think that way.
“What do you think market research for a $600 apartment would look like? ”
I know - KNOW - it’s a lot more involved that that BS crap you pulled, pal.
“You aren’t letting it go because you are simply not a rational person that blames others for your bad behavior.”
I’m not letting it go because it stinks to high heaven. But when the stink emanates from your side of the sty, you happen to LIKE that smell. It’s only when it comes from the side with a “D” that you complain.
TPT,
Your hypocrisy and idiocy knows no bounds does it. CREW has an obvious conflict of interest which you willfully ignore because it suits you goal. If there is a specific version of market research you should say what it is. Of you don’t because that would mean you would have to stand behind something for once rather than simple throw out baseless claims and idiotic one liners. It wouldn’t matter to you if Coleman was doing anything wrong with the apartment or not, your rhetoric wouldn’t change.
Coleman is not “my side”, I have helped on Democratic campaigns and never a Republican one and have voted Democrat more than Republican. I didn’t vote for Coleman last time and won’t this round either. The last thread I posted on here was about my disgust with FISA, a very neo-con initiative. I just understand that it is more important to keep you own yard clean before you complain about your neighbors. I would love to see the Democrats clean up their act enough to deserve praise but as long as there are apologists like you it probably won’t happen.
Is there a scientific word for “fear of Visible Fluorescence forensic technology”?
Edit:
Anybody know if “Lay my head” has an alternate/subculture meaning?
“If there is a specific version of market research you should say what it is. ”
In other words, you’re admitting you just pulled your POS “craigslist” vaulation out of your ass. Typical, for you.
Link here, and get an education, pal:
http://www.mnblue.com/node/1789
The links you provided have no information that go against what I am saying. You keep asking the question hoping the answer is the one you fantasize about despite all evidence to the contrary. The best answer you got on the forum so far is exactly the one I used. From the forum you are harassing, “If you want to check out rents, try this. Go to Craig’s list and see what you can find. Go to Realtor.Com and check out what’s available.” The fact that you couldn’t figure that out on your own isn’t my fault.
The party making an accusation has the burden to show malfeasances, not the accused’s responsibility to produce evidence against all accusations. There is a very important reason for that which very well might escape you. If you want to do a little actual work (or pay the $100 suggest on the forum) and show that similar spaces in the same or similar neighborhoods are substantially more expensive go for it. So far you have done nothing of value or interest. Which is typical of you.
“The links you provided have no information that go against what I am saying.”
Listen, pal - you first claimed, in post #8, that anyone could go to craigslist and determine that Coleman was paying fair market rent - which, of course, is complete BS, but that should suprise no one because it came from you.
The point of my links, which require analysis (which explains why you didn’t get the point) is that determining fair market rent is not an easy task, as the responses to my post on Appraiser’s Forum demonstrate.
You should quit while you’re behind, KH. You’re only making a fool of yourself, AGAIN.
TPT,
The link you sent me to where you were asking the appraisers how to find the value for Coleman’s apartment was providing you the same answers as I was giving. That one of the professionals you were asking said that you could hire somebody for about $100 dollars to do the work should tell you that it isn’t all that complicated. Unless your name is Two Putt Tommy that is. As usual you are your own worst enemy. If finding out what the fair market rate is is so difficult how can you be so certain that Coleman is doing anything wrong? If it can’t really be known than you must admit your whole complaint is simple in your head. Again, it is your responsibility (a word I am aware you have no knowledge of) to show malfeasance. Up until now you have been either to stupid or lazy to do that. Instead you make an accusation and then claim that the charge is too complicated to be refuted despite contrary evidence. That is the method of a coward.
I’ll meet you half way TPT. If you decide to put a little effort in to the deal and find a professional, unbiased appraiser who would be willing to do the work in D.C. I will pledge $50 toward their fee. I’m sure you could either front the other $50 yourself of collect the remainder from other like minded folk.
You only want it to be complicated because it would allow you to continue to lie and cheat your way to attention.
Chris, this is you, way up top in post #8:
“After a few minutes of looking through DC craigslist under both apartments and shared spaces it appears that the rate Coleman is paying is within or very near market rate.
My response was: “Yeah, “right.” Other people think diferently, and that’s why CREW filed an Ethics Complaint.
What I should have said, loudly and clearly, is you’re full of shit, again.
Because you are, and the harder you dig, the deeper you go.
“I’ll meet you half way TPT. If you decide to put a little effort in to the deal and find a professional, unbiased appraiser who would be willing to do the work in D.C. I will pledge $50 toward their fee. I’m sure you could either front the other $50 yourself of collect the remainder from other like minded folk.”
I got a better idea - you get Team Smokescreen to produce that “research” they claim they did, and we’ll split the fee to have it reviewed and critiqued by an appraiser.
This, of course, assumes that Team Smokescreen actually DID do the research, and aren’t pullin’ crap out of their ass, like you usually do.
Rotten Rove has come to Minnesota.
Wanting to dissemble about sweetheart deals that Normy gets - for what? Access?
In the meantime, the SwiftBoat liars are misrepresenting Al’s positions… how noble of the right.
How wonderful a “Minnesota high road” campaign run by Normy…
Oh no. It looks like cheeto boy’s apartment expose has hit a snag.
Lucky for you that you have the big, Big, BIG “blo&glo” scandal on-deck, right cheeto boy? When will you be calling a press conference to reveal the details of your in-depth investigation?
Has your mom said it’s OK to have the press conference right there in her basement, or will you be hauling Wolf Blitzer somewhere else for your interview?
ROTFLMAO! (at you cheeto boy!)
Well, well, well. Scrotee has taken time away from his vast collection of full-frontal male nudity to opine on a thread about ol’ Smokescreen.
And it’s no surprise Scrotee is opining on a thread about Coleman; Scrotee likes men that change postitions and no one changes positions more often than ol’ Smokescreen….
TPT,
Doing research for an apartment doesn’t mean that there is some magic form that was filled out and filed away someplace. I assume you did some research before moving in to you current home and wonder what would happen if you were forced to produce it or be accused of a crime. And since you are doing the accusing the burden of proof is on you, remember. Any coward can make accusations, which you are proof of, but it seems that when given the opportunity to follow up you fold because you might have to deal with an unbiased fact or two.
It is obvious that I can’t make Coleman do anything which is why you make that the goal. You don’t really want to find out what is going on because it might show you have been wrong. I am willing to help pay to get to the bottom of this. We know the address, we have a description of the apartment. According to the forum you went to for answers you should be able to find a person to provide a professional appraisal for around $100. What are you afraid of?
KH, the “form” would indicate what types of things adjustments should - and, possibly, shouldn’t - be made for.
But, the point remains is you made a claim that “craig’s list” and a few minutes and the average schmuck could determine Coleman was paying “fair value” is just plain BS. And in addition to posting BS, you were furthering republiCon talking points.
Why are you afraid of admitting that your original post, #8, is complete BS and you were just regurgitating republiCon talking points like a parrot?
Is this a real legal form you are talking about or just something made up in your head?
I never claimed my research was conclusive or exhaustive which I used the term “appears” and “withing or very near” rather than “proves”. You have yet to provide even that much information while making accusations. Remember that ethically the accuser has the burden of proof.
So what will it be TPT? Actually do something of substance or continue your tradition of all bark and no bite?
Hey, I’m not surprised you can’t admit that you were makin’ crap up and parroting republiCon talking points.
This is what you claimed, in post #8:
“After a few minutes of looking through DC craigslist under both apartments and shared spaces it appears that the rate Coleman is paying is within or very near market.”
No, a few minutes of looking thought craig’s list does NOT do that, even though you used a weasel word like “appears.”
Then again, it’s no surprise you’d use weasel words; Coleman’s a weasel and by regurgitating his talking points, so are you.
TPT,
Do you ever deal with the real issue? If you want to believe that looking at craigslist and other sites don’t provide any information that is your choice. The fact is that it is a completely reasonable place to start. That you were unable to read my original post correctly and instead decided to make up you own version in your head is not my fault.
I am willing to help take the next step to find out more conclusively if Coleman is paying market rate for his apartment. If that isn’t important to you or you are afraid to do something substantive that is your call.
” The fact is that it is a completely reasonable place to start.”
That’s NOT what you were claiming back up in post #8.
The next step should be you doin’ some mea culpas for bein’ such a stooge.
But it’s no surprise you won’t.
KH-
Similar apartments WITHIN THE SAME PROXIMITY to the capital typically cost AT LEAST TWICE as much as Norm’s apartment costs him.
The only apartments under $1000 (upon cursory examination with the use of mapqest) are miles away from the capital.
Better be careful, KH.
Cheeto Boy is about to open a family sized bag of Cheeto’s on your ass. He’s got the latest technology at his fingertips down there in his mom’s basement, and he’s going to get to the bottom of post #8, there’s no escape!
Remember, KH. Cheeto boy single handidly broke the “blo & glo” scandal that we have been reading about in all the major newspapers, as well as the 24 hour coverage CNN has been giving the story.
He’s also been hot on the trail of Larson’s homestead tax credit…you know, the one that doesn’t exist…to say nothing of cheap rentgate, which he has been a major player on. We’re expecting to see a news release from Cheeto boy about the furniture aspects any minute now.
Cheeto boy is well supplied with snack food down in mom’s basement. He’s got the tools and he’s ready to go…if he is ever able to distract himself from links to male genetalia long enough to type with both hands, Sen. Coleman is in big, Big, BIG trouble!
lojasmo,
When I checked on the 12th there were no places in the “apartments” section that matched the description from the Strib article. There were some in the “rooms for rent” that were more similar but not exact. It sounds like Colman’s place is smaller than a studio and shares some space.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Coleman was getting a sweetheart deal but so far nobody has been able to provide any legitimate information to show as much. I offered to help TPT hire somebody to provide more conclusive information than anybody has provided so far. Coleman is a weasel but that doesn’t mean that every accusation against him is true. The more people cry wolf without real evidence the less likely people are to pay attention on real issues.
TPT,
I never said that my research was conclusive or authoritative so saying what I did was a good start is not in any way a contradiction. You assumed that is what I meant because you only hear what you want to hear or are unable to fully comprehend written English. So have you decided to do something of substance and find a professional appraiser? My offer still stands. Maybe lojasmo would be willing to pitch in a couple bucks to the cause as well.
Better be careful, KH.
Scrotee is about to post a whole buncha links to full-frontal male nudity on your website, just like he did on MDE. He’s got the latest links at his fingertips down there in his mom’s basement, and he’s going to post the basest, ‘cause Scrotee’s the base!
Remember, KH. Scrotee single handidly posted a link to full-frontal male nudity on MDE (you don’t want to know what Scrotee was doin’ with his other hand), but for some reason, wasn’t banished from MDE - what does that tell you?
Scrotee’s also been hot on the trail of moonbat pelts, but with Scrotee’s obsession with full frontal male nudity, you know it’s not really “pelts” that Scrotee is interested in.
Scrotee is well supplied with snack food down in mom’s basement. He’s got the tools and he’s ready to go…Scrotee’s goal is to compile a list of links to full frontal male nudity that would make Scrotee’s hero, Larry Craig, proud of! When Scrotee is able to distract himself from links to male genetalia long enough to type with both hands, Scrotee takes a toe-tappin’ wide stance!
Oh, and KH?
I’m not surprised you’re backing off your original claims, without acknowledging you’re backing off.
It takes a big man to admit he was wrong - and that obviously isn’t you.
And no, I’m not because if you read what the Appraisers were saying, and were able to comprehend what it meant (which you’re not), you’d realize that what they were saying is there isn’t an “industry recognized” report for determining what is (or isn’t) “fair market rent.”
I’ll make this real simple, just for you: without an objective report, it’s a “subjective” determination.
And since is subjective, I’ll go with the Senate Ethics Commettee’s determination.
But in the meantime, no matter how much back-pedalling you do, your post #8 is BS. You know it too; you just aren’t man enough to admit it.
When Cheeto boy talks about “big men”, he really knows what he’s talking about.
Check out the green tent Cheeto boy wears like a shirt here in picture #10…that’s a bale of family sized bags O’ Cheeto’s in there, folks.
Rumor has it that Al “Porn-O-Rama” Franken rents out a few square feet in there while he’s in town…(‘course he’s paying the fair market rate), right Cheeto boy?
But when it comes to “peddling”…back or forward, well, not so much; right Cheeto boy?
Say, Cheeto boy?
When was the last time you saw your toes?
TPT,
It seems that you can’t get over the fact that you attributed things to me which I did not write. You assumed more than you knew and then reject any more detailed explanation as “back-peddling” because it doesn’t fit you original bad assumptions.
You accuse Coleman of wrong doing with no evidence to back up you claim. You demand that Coleman defend himself against your spurious complaints by releasing a form you admit doesn’t actually exist. Then, even if he were to show the research you are saying that it wouldn’t be valid because it would be subjective (by the way subjective shouldn’t be in quotes unless you are using some TPT definition of the word not related to the dictionary). You don’t want to make an effort to get a more objective, professional view on the subject by taking the advise from the same source you quote in your argument. Your excuse for which is that you would rather wait for a report that most likely will never be created.
@ KH
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Coleman was getting a sweetheart deal”
Really? Just upthread you were claiming that there were comparable living quarters all over the place.
“but so far nobody has been able to provide any legitimate information to show as much.”
There’s been ample evidence posted all over this very board.
lojasmo,
No, there isn’t any real evidence. That is the point. None of the apartments people here wish to compare to Coleman’s seem to have much in common with the description from the Strib. Based on the information at hand the range of value for Coleman’s is too big to know what kind of deal he is getting. The person apparently most interested, TPT, doesn’t seem willing to make a little personal effort to really find out. Until somebody does, the accusations carry no weight to anybody other than those who reach conclusions first and then pick and choose the evidence to fit their views.
The reason there will be no ethics investigation is because whatever deal Coleman is getting (maybe a couple hundred bucks) is well within the norm for all senators from both sides of the aisle. Both parties are fundamentally corrupt and the partisan hacks on both sides that make accusations without evidence create a white noise that help cause massive apathy in the majority of the population. Hacks like TPT and Swiftee are as much of the problem in politics as corrupt politicians. They are the political equivalent of empty calories. The fact that more serious people from either side ignore the damage done by their pet stooges is shameful as well.
“No, there isn’t any real evidence. That is the point. ”
No, the point is that though you started out spewing republiCon talking points, you’re now backpedaling with out admitting so.
No surprise there.
No, Coleman’s apartment was the topic of the thread and the one on which I have stayed. But as usual you have shown yourself to care less about the real topic and more about repeating the same idiotic hackneyed phrases. All to the embarrassment of the vast majority of Democrats who are actually honest and thoughtful.
Here’s what you posted, pal, way back in post #8:
After a few minutes of looking through DC craigslist under both apartments and shared spaces it appears that the rate Coleman is paying is within or very near market rate.”
Do you still stand by that, or are you still full of it?
Swiftee, I agree 100%,
I have never seen you exemplify the typical Minnesota Republican better than you have in this thread. Of course, you are 100% correct, because you are a Republican.
Everyone knows that cheap shots are permissable from Repubicans because we are correct on the issues. Moonbats on the other hand cannot act like idiots without being called out because they are wrong on every issue.
We Republicans not only control the bully pulpit, but will continue to do so, because we are going to have a permanent majority. We are winners.
These moonbats are just jealous of that fact, and they hate America and want to surrender to terrorists.
Great Job, Republican Porn Caricature Artist and Linker Swiftee
That statement contradicts nothing else I said or, more importantly, the evidence at hand. It does appear that based on the information I was able to find on craigslist that Coleman is paying withing, or near market rates so I stand by it. I even referenced the “few minutes” to show my review was cursory. No place did I say or imply that craigslist or the Strib article were authoritative or official. That is simply your delusion or low level of reading comprehension.
I did not say, as seems to be your understanding, “After looking on craigslist it is obvious to even a knuckle dragging democRat like Two Putz that Coleman is doing nothing wrong.”. Besides being sophomoric I would have to make assumptions I was consciously not willing to make. Unlike you who continues to make accusations you are unable or unwilling to back up, even when I offer to help fund some objective research.
Ya know what, KH?
I’m in a good mood today, ‘cause I’ll be teein’ off in a coupla hours and I have it on good authority that the cart girls got plenty o’ cold beer. And while I’ve had some really bad scores, I’ve never had a bad round. So I know that today is a really, Really, REALLY good day.
And to make this day even better, I’m gonna take you up on your offer - I’ll match your initial $50, even go double if necessary. Let’s see if we can get an Appraiser out of Apprsisers Forum to do one on ol’ Smokescreen’s crash pad.
Maybe we can get Sean to be “trustee”, eh?
Whaddya say, KH?
Maybe put a side bet on an over/under?
I’d like in on the over/under.
“I’m in a good mood today, ‘cause I’ll be teein’ off in a coupla hours and I have it on good authority that the cart girls got plenty o’ cold beer.”
Somebody better alert the local Frito Lay distributor. They’re gonna need to get a driver out to the links with a truckload of Cheetos! When Cheeto Boy tees off, bags o’ Cheetos fly.
Right Cheeto Boy?
BTW, Cheeto Boy. Do you have a golf
shirttent printed with the Nike logo, so you can pretend that you’re Cheeto Woods?Swiftee, I agree 100%,
WOW…you are an amazingly Republican commenter.
Great Job!
I think it is a wonderful idea. How about we each take a day to pull some possible names of appraisers pick a name by the end of the day tomorrow.
I trust you at least $50 worth so once we decide on an appraiser and get a cost estimate I will send you the money. Send me an email at kerosenehat@gmail.com to let me know where to send the $50.
My guess is that Coleman is under paying by between $100 and $200 a month.