What bmaz says above at #17 is absolutely true. Lotus and NMC (both attorneys) have done a great job. I’ve been a regular lurker there ever since I found it (w/ EW’s help).

I guess that a few months in prison already have softened Scrugg’s prior arrogance and non-cooperation.

“Alaska has long prided itself as being America’s energy storehouse and Secretary Salazar’s announcement today underscores that important role for our state. I am pleased the secretary wants to take a comprehensive look at the country’s energy needs and will allow more time for full discussion of offshore oil drilling as well as other energy options.

“I am also heartened that the secretary is holding one of the Department of Interior’s regional conferences in Alaska to discuss this issue further. This will give Alaskans an opportunity to weigh in on a comprehensive national energy plan that includes oil and gas development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

“In Alaska, Secretary Salazar will be able to see and hear from Alaskans about the incredible renewable and non-renewable energy resources in our state which we can use to help Alaska and the country solve the energy crisis we face.”

It is a good sign that Sen. Begich is differentiating himself from the Palin-Murkowski-Young lockstep on AK energy prospects.

Which just happens to be the period in which the credit derivatives that are at the core of our tanked economy were pushed through the US Senate and foisted on Clinton. Not that I’m claiming Lott was involved in developing CDOs (the legislation creating them excluded them from federal oversight per the ‘deregulation’ market fundamentalist ideology Lott helped implement.

Coyoteville, I’m glad someone is tracking all this mess.
So Mr Scruggs appears to be cooperating now, but wasn’t last summer?
Interestinger and interestinger.

Here’s hoping Salazar covers himself tens sides of sidewise by being so transparent that no one can lay a hand on his decisions.

** Which I realize is not always correct, but it sure is handy.

The site for all things Scruggs is http://www.folo.us/ An EW comment/reference over a year ago led me to it

Part of their latest posting,

“The US Attorney indirectly confirmed that Scruggs had a deal like this last summer and turned it down. When a reporter asked if this was the deal that had been on the table before, US Atty Greenlee said “but in this instance Mr. Scruggs was cooperating.”

Bob in HI

Lick your chops:

Richard ”Dickie” Scruggs admitted he was involved in a scheme to entice a judge to rule in his favor in an asbestos case by promising he’d be appointed to the federal bench with help from Scruggs’ brother-in-law, former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott.

Scruggs, who already is serving five years in jail, was to be sentenced later Tuesday. Federal prosecutors recommended a sentence that would tack two years onto that term, and it could be reduced if he testifies in a later case.

”Mr. Scruggs’ cooperation has opened several doors,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Norman.

I’m out of the loop; didn’t know Scruggs was serving time in jail.
But this doesn’t look like good news for Trent Lott…

All the more reason to appreciate Salazar actually acting in the PUBLIC interest.

I hate the thought of a truth commission. People should be prosecuted for this, darn it!

On Topic: He can stall, but the simplistic solution of Drilling remains very popular. Regargless of the turth, the GOP can sell this as American Jobs, American Oil and American National Security. And it will sell well.

Nobody want to hear that this won’t impact oil prices for at least 10 years. The jobs are real enough. But national security?!? Gimme a break!

Boxturtle (If we want to stop the drilling, we need electric cars)