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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Dodd, Conrad 'Knew They Scored Mortgage Deals'

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(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.

Dodd and Conrad, heads of the Senate Banking Committee and Senate Finance Committee, respectively, were told "who you know is basically how you’re coming in here," the loan officer testified.  Spokesmen for the senators accused the loan officer of lying and said that they hoped the Ethics Committee resolves the issue quickly.

Angelo Mozilo, founder and former chief executive officer of Countrywide Financial Corporation, testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee .
Angelo Mozilo, founder and former chief executive officer of Countrywide Financial Corporation, testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee .   (AP Photos/Susan Walsh )
Countrywide Financial ran a VIP program offering special deals to the rich and powerful, officials at the lender have testified.
Countrywide Financial ran a VIP program offering special deals to the rich and powerful, officials at the lender have testified.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian )
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, left, and Sen. Kent Conrad, arrive for a meeting on the financial crisis last year.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, left, and Sen. Kent Conrad, arrive for a meeting on the financial crisis last year.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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He always made a big deal about them being in the VIP program. Does he remember the exact words he spoke with Conrad and Dodd? No, but he always made it clear. - Elana Goldstein, lawyer for former Countrywide loan officer Robert Feinberg

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16 comments
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northeast
Jul 28, 09 5:14 AM CDT
I'd like to take this moment to point out that avarice is a bipartisan vice. They didn't take money because they were filthy liberal fascists (contradictory much?), and when the next Republican does it, it won't be because he or she was a hate-mongering "repuglican" (this word is more retarded than Sarah Palin's baby). Both sides do it. This includes your favorite side. Grow up. Reply
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-5
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northeast
Jul 28, 09 5:56 AM CDT
"Filthy liberal fascists" should be in quotations; as it stands, it looks like I'm being serious when I call them that. Sorry.
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-6
Ucantusethatname
Jul 28, 09 5:16 AM CDT
It's very clear that Dodd has lied and benefited personally from his votes on financial. matters. Why voters in Connecticut continue to re-elect this liar to the Senate remains a mystery to anyone who does not reside in Connecticut. Reply
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
IndependentThinker
Jul 28, 09 1:24 PM CDT
Because congress has a 90% incumbency rate, everyone just goes in and either votes for who is in office already or votes for the guy with the (R) or (D) next to their name.
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0
TerrifiedCitizen
Jul 28, 09 5:59 AM CDT
It's almost like a crime family. Daddy is still daddy and as long as he brings home the bacon, they don't mind if he has his own vices. Reply
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+3

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