"Top Gun" is Top Dog

The man who inspired “Top Gun” the movie admitted to taking millions in bribes and stepped down as US Representative from California yesterday:

Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham tearfully acknowledged taking $2.4 million in bribes, saying: “The truth is I broke the law.” (Well, yeah!)

The eight-term Republican and former Vietnam fighting ace pleaded guilty to graft Monday and resigned, admitting he took money mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors.

“In my life, I have had great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame,” a tearful Cunningham said after the plea. “I can’t undo what I have done but I can atone.”

But Cunningham, who could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Feb. 27 on federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion, may not be the only person ensnared in the case. Prosecutors have indicated they have more than him in mind.

“There’s more work to be done,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Halpern said Monday. Cunningham has promised to cooperate.

In the plea, Cunningham, 63, acknowledged working with four co-conspirators to take bribes from defense contractors and others. Prosecutors said the bribes were paid in a variety of forms, including checks totaling more than $1 million, cash, antiques, rugs, furniture, yacht club fees and vacations.

Pathetic! Sad and pathetic. I hate to see it and especially because a story like this gets at least 5 times more press than if he were a democrat. I expect more from Republicans.