Clinton Runs At Upson Downs: The Inaugural Prison Break Derby

While Ted Cruz was seen in Millionaire’s Row at the Kentucky Derby this past Saturday, doubtless enjoying a traditional mint julep, another politician was also at a horse race—not Churchill Downs mind you, but at Upson Downs for the running of the Inaugural Prison Break Derby.

Hillary was astride a swayback gelding spending the entire race looking over one shoulder and then the other because:

The FBI investigation swirling around Hillary Clinton’s presidential run appears to have entered the final stages. 

Many of the former Secretary of State’s key aides have been interviewed over the course of the last month, and Clinton herself is expected to answer investigators’ questions about her use of a private email server in the coming days or weeks. 

Former officials and legal experts say that Clinton’s testimony will likely be the final puzzle piece for federal prosecutors and FBI investigators as they decide whether to file any charges over her use of a personal email server.  

Bryan Pagliano, the IT specialist believed to have helped set up and maintained Clinton’s server, was granted immunity in exchange for his help with the investigation.  

Whatever the outcome of the case, the political controversy over Clinton’s email setup is unlikely to subside. 

Even if the Justice Department comes up empty, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits are currently making their way through the courts, and are likely to shed additional light on Clinton’s setup for months to come.

This Is What Happens When You Get In The Way

At 3:09 PM today, CNN broke the news that the Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), alleging he used his Senate office to push the business interests of Miami-based ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts.

The FBI and prosecutors from the Justice Department's public integrity section have pursued a variety of allegations against Menendez, who has called the probe part of "smear campaign" against him.

At a 7:45 PM presser, Menendez said "I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law.  I am not going anywhere."

I have never liked Menendez.  I doubt I am alone in my expression of distrust of him but Menendez appears to be the victim of the shenanigans of a vindictive Administration.

Michael Warren of The Weekly Standard notes, “While the federal investigation has been ongoing, the timing of the charges is curious. Menendez has been one of the top Democratic critics in Congress of the Obama administration's negotiations and forthcoming deal with Iran over the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions. Earlier this year, the New Jersey Democrat said the White House's talking points on the Iran deal were "straight out of Tehran."

Last week, Menendez and Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) introduced legislation requiring President Obama to submit any nuclear agreement with Iran to Congress for a 60-day review. Back in January, Menendez also directly challenged The World’s Most Dangerous Community Organizer at a Democratic Senate retreat when he claimed he understood the pressure Senators were under from "donors".  Menendez rose and told him he took "personal offense" at his remarks.

This president plays for keeps and when a top Democratic Party member is critical of him you can expect ruination to be your fate.

Amazing timing, that DOJ nails Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., right after he becomes the loudest critic of Obama's Iran deal.
— jimgeraghty (@jimgeraghty) March 6, 2015