Rep. Issa Statement on Sentencing of Former Rep. Cunningham

Rep. Issa Statement on Sentencing of Former Rep. Cunningham

March 3, 2006

Vista, CA - Congressman Darrell Issa, today, made the following statement on the sentencing of former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham:

"The eight-year and four-month sentence handed down must be viewed as an appropriate punishment for someone who used a position of public trust to achieve personal enrichment. Duke Cunningham's criminal actions have destroyed his reputation, hurt his family, cost him friendships, and caused him great financial loss. He has paid, and must continue to pay, a steep price for his misdeeds.

"Duke Cunningham not only took and solicited bribes; he also damaged and tarnished the House of Representatives, a fundamental institution of our democracy.

"The discovery and our full understanding of the length and breadth of these crimes were largely made possible by the investigative journalists who relentlessly pursued the facts of this case. The FBI, U.S. Attorney, and Judge Burns also acted appropriately in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating this crime. I commend them for their professionalism."

http://issa.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.View&ContentRecord_id=398&CFID=19651729&CFTOKEN=66143356