GOP Hesitates on Call for Mortgage Probe

(NEWSER) - Democratic Sens. Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad were fully aware they were getting sweetened mortgage deals, the Countrywide Financial exec who handled their loans has told congressional investigators. The testimony from the loan officer to the House Oversight and Senate Ethics committees directly contradicts the senators' assertions that they had no idea they were getting discounts under a VIP program, the AP reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad have been cleared of wrongdoing in taking preferred loans from Countrywide Financial, the Hill reports. But the Senate ethics panel gave both Democrats slaps on the wrist. No “credible evidence” of ethics violations emerged, the committee said in a statement, but two “should have exercised more vigilance” to “avoid the appearance you were receiving preferential treatment." More»

Troubled mortgage lender gave breaks to Dodd, other VIPs

(NEWSER) - Countrywide Financial made sweetheart deals for lawmakers and other high-profile pols who received mortgages from the disgraced lender, a Portfolio exposé reveals. The deals, which appear to violate both company rules and federal law, benefited "Friends of Angelo"—as in CEO Angelo Mozilo—including at least two US senators, Clinton and Bush Cabinet members, and an ex-UN ambassador. More»

1.6-million member AFSCME spends $87.5M on campaign

(NEWSER) - The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees has become the biggest outside donor to the midterm elections, thanks to a last-minute push of funds to Democrats that brings its total election spending to $87.5 million, the Wall Street Journal reports. The organization, which boasts 1.6 million members, pulled from a $16 million emergency fund and took out a $2 million loan last week in its effort to help the Dems. More»

Twin NYT reports on both sides' strategy for the midterms

(NEWSER) - As Republicans eye the keys to both houses, Democrats are taking the gloves off: Candidates around the country are opening an earlier-than-ever round of attack ads assailing opponents as anything from a "dishonest used-car salesman" to a "predatory real estate speculator." Starting with five weeks to go could backfire, some worry, but many feel their backs are up against the wall and there's no choice but to go all-out, reports the New York Times . More»