Governor Lingle's Chief of Staff was being blackmailed by a woman in the Philippines. From AP-
HONOLULU (AP) -- After months of refusing to discuss her chief of staff's resignation, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle said his blackmail over a relationship with a woman in the Philippines was strictly personal and did not involve any misuse of state resources. Lingle, at a news conference Monday, also denied any knowledge of a reported federal investigation into the behavior of state officials or other members of official trade missions led by the governor.When it comes to politicians and crimes, one is prone to believe them guilty till proven innocent. Yours truly reacts that way also. At this point the only crime for certain, is that Lingle's aide was being blackmailed. The woman pled guilty to federal charges in October. The Federal government is probably investigating, but that doesn't mean they have a case or if there is one. No one in the MSM is hinting otherwise, the Honolulu Advertiser is just seeking a lift on a gag order involving emails.Bob Awana, who has been Lingle's top aide since she was first elected in 2002 and her campaign chairman for the past three elections, was blackmailed for $35,000 over his relationship with the woman. He resigned in June after the blackmail was reported.
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"The issues surrounding Bob were because of something he did personally that had nothing to do with his role in government or his time in government or his use of any government resources," the Republican governor said.
"Bob was a victim of a crime. He was blackmailed, just as anyone here who's married and was online and had a relationship with someone would be subject to blackmail," Lingle said.
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The Honolulu Advertiser, citing anonymous federal law enforcement sources, has reported that the blackmail case led to a federal investigation into the behavior of state officials and other members of the governor's trade missions to China, South Korea and the Philippines over the last three years.
I'm no fan of Governor Lingle. Her support of the probably unconsitutional Akaka bill, being the main reason.
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