CA Lawmaker Resigns Over Hot-mike Affair Admission

Puppycow · 12th September 2009, 07:35 AM

Another month, another social conservative republican sex scandal. This one's pretty shocking though. This one involves a lawmaker (who happens to be a "family-values" conservative) bragging about his sexual exploits with two women, at least one a lobbyist, to another lawmaker. I don't think I have an overly naive view of politics and lobbyists, but I was somewhat surprised by the brazenness of this.

Quote:

Reporting from Sacramento - An Orange County lawmaker who inadvertently broadcast explicit remarks about his sexual conquests over an open microphone abruptly resigned from office Wednesday after legislative leaders stripped him of his committee posts and launched an ethics probe of his actions.

Assemblyman Michael Duvall (R-Yorba Linda), whose remarks were videotaped in July during a lull in a Sacramento hearing, stepped down less than 24 hours after the tape spread online Tuesday night.

In the video, the married family-values crusader from Yorba Linda talks in graphic detail about women he said he slept with -- at least one of whom appeared to be a lobbyist with business before the utilities committee on which Duvall sat as vice chairman.
. . .
"The use of sexual favors is just one more example of the tactics that energy companies and lobbyists have used to win favorable laws from lawmakers," said Kathay Feng, president of California Common Cause.

As TV camera crews chased lawmakers through Capitol corridors for comment on the scandal Wednesday, the place was abuzz with gossip: other lawmakers with lobbyist mistresses, inappropriate invitations to romantic dinners, married legislators and industry officials canoodling at fundraisers and after-hours mixers.

Duvall, some said, just happened to get caught.

His remarks were videotaped during a July hearing of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and aired on a KCAL television news program Tuesday night. In the video, the socially conservative Duvall tells fellow Assemblyman Jeff Miller (R-Corona) in uninhibited detail about trysts with two women, neither his wife.

The KCAL report says one of the women is a lobbyist for a major utility with business before Duvall's committee. In the video, Duvall says her birthday is July 6. That matches the birth date of a Sacramento lobbyist for the San Diego-based energy firm Sempra.
. . .
Duvall joined other Republicans in voting several times this year against renewable energy measures opposed by Sempra Energy.

I wonder if this practice is widespread among lobbyists, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Duvall apparently wasn't shy about telling his fellow assemblyman about it.

Policenaut · 12th September 2009, 09:24 AM

I'm sure it happens quite often and only idiots like this guy get caught. If he didn't feel the need to brag to his buddies this probably would have never come to light. Just another lobbyist perk. Free food, gifts, money, and sex.

applecorped · 12th September 2009, 09:29 AM

It takes two.

quixotecoyote · 12th September 2009, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by applecorped

It takes two.

Three, to be accurate in this case.

Puppycow · 12th September 2009, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Policenaut

I'm sure it happens quite often and only idiots like this guy get caught. If he didn't feel the need to brag to his buddies this probably would have never come to light. Just another lobbyist perk. Free food, gifts, money, and sex.

What did Henry Kissenger say? 90% of politicians give the other 10% a bad name?

LostAngeles · 12th September 2009, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

Another month, another social conservative republican sex scandal. This one's pretty shocking though. This one involves a lawmaker (who happens to be a "family-values" conservative) bragging about his sexual exploits with two women, at least one a lobbyist, to another lawmaker. I don't think I have an overly naive view of politics and lobbyists, but I was somewhat surprised by the brazenness of this.

I wonder if this practice is widespread among lobbyists, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Duvall apparently wasn't shy about telling his fellow assemblyman about it.

Actually?

Yeah.

L.A. Times story on perks in the capital

Quote:

Reporting from Sacramento - For many who join the select club of 120 known as the California Legislature, everything changes. Once inside, they find an army of lobbyists and corporate executives at their disposal, more than eager to shower them with food, drink, travel and -- in some cases -- sex.

The case of Michael Duvall, the 54-year-old Yorba Linda assemblyman who resigned Wednesday after the disclosure that he bragged over an open microphone of apparent sexual trysts, is a window into a world in which those who vie to sit through dreary legislative meetings can be rewarded in more bacchanalian ways.

Beyond lavish meals with fine wines, special interests offer overseas junkets, pro basketball games and weekends at spas and golf resorts that pair their lobbyists with lawmakers.

"When you're in Sacramento, the entire city is dedicated to making you feel important and special," said Don Perata, a former state Senate leader.

...

At the annual "Speaker's Cup" at Pebble Beach this year, dozens of lobbyists had a chance to rub elbows with Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles).

One lobbyist, Darius Anderson, has been known for arranging trips to Cuba.

The state prison guards' union has sponsored lawmakers' voyages to Maui, paying for some of their expenses there.

At least one company, BP America, has set up an automated hotline that lawmakers and staff can call for freebies to concerts, shows and sports events. Legislators may even "ask a member of their own staff to call on their behalf," BP's phone message says. The firm has spent more than $39,000 on giveaways since 2008.

One of the biggest spenders in Sacramento is AT&T, which has e-mail addresses that lawmakers and their staffs use to request tickets. The company reported $53,000 worth of giveaways in the first half of 2009, including a Britney Spears concert and seats at a Lakers playoff game.

...

One longtime Sacramento lobbyist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of offending lawmakers, acknowledged that sexual relationships sometimes develop, although not many.

More commonly, big lobbying firms hire attractive women.

The legislators are thrilled by the women's attention at fundraisers and other events, the lobbyist said.

"If there's a beautiful woman sitting there that's with you from your firm, you're going to have at least half of the guys that are legislators come over and initiate conversations with her," the lobbyist said. "She doesn't have to sleep with them, but it's just the fact she's there and she's nice to them."

Male lawmakers are not the only targets. Former Sen. Sheila Kuehl, a Santa Monica Democrat and California's first openly lesbian lawmaker, recounted that the National Rifle Assn. once sent a "really good-looking" woman, whom she took to be a lesbian, to lobby her against restrictive gun laws.

"Why would she be the one coming to talk to me to talk about the NRA?" said Kuehl, who left office in 2008. "I'm sure they said, 'Let's send her to talk to Sheila.' I found it sort of amusing, actually."

...

Dr Adequate · 12th September 2009, 01:34 PM

I announce my candidacy.

Eyeron · 12th September 2009, 02:14 PM

So if the guy were single would this have mattered as much?

Lisa Simpson · 12th September 2009, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Eyeron

So if the guy were single would this have mattered as much?

Yes, because the lobbyist he was schtupping is a lobbyist for Sempra Energy and Duvall was on the Utility and Commerce committee.

Puppycow · 12th September 2009, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

Yes, because the lobbyist he was schtupping is a lobbyist for Sempra Energy and Duvall was on the Utility and Commerce committee.

Yeah, if he was just cheating on his wife, it wouldn't really be worth discussing (except maybe the "family-values" hypocrisy angle). This is mostly about political corruption.

Doubt · 12th September 2009, 07:23 PM

Did anybody get the lobbyist's side of the story yet?

The could also have been bragging about something that did not happen. Of course, he would still be in the wrong.

Lisa Simpson · 12th September 2009, 07:29 PM

Sempra Energy is denying the allegations on her behalf:

Quote:

“Sempra Energy takes very seriously any reports involving the conduct of our employees. We are investigating this matter and the recent media reports that named one of our employees. The employee has denied the speculative media reports. Our investigation will be conducted to ensure not only that our policies on employee conduct are strictly adhered to, but also that our employee is treated fairly.”

http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com...up-with/21281/

Puppycow · 12th September 2009, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

Sempra Energy is denying the allegations on her behalf:

http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com...up-with/21281/

To be precise, they are reporting that the employee denied the allegations and that the company is investigating the allegations.

Quote:

The employee has denied the speculative media reports.

The company is keeping its options open. There could be legal implications so they will probably try to throw her under the bus if it looks like she's going to drag the company into trouble.

12th September 2009, 07:35 AM	#1
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	CA Lawmaker Resigns Over Hot-mike Affair Admission Another month, another social conservative republican sex scandal. This one's pretty shocking though. This one involves a lawmaker (who happens to be a "family-values" conservative) bragging about his sexual exploits with two women, at least one a lobbyist, to another lawmaker. I don't think I have an overly naive view of politics and lobbyists, but I was somewhat surprised by the brazenness of this. Quote: Reporting from Sacramento - An Orange County lawmaker who inadvertently broadcast explicit remarks about his sexual conquests over an open microphone abruptly resigned from office Wednesday after legislative leaders stripped him of his committee posts and launched an ethics probe of his actions. Assemblyman Michael Duvall (R-Yorba Linda), whose remarks were videotaped in July during a lull in a Sacramento hearing, stepped down less than 24 hours after the tape spread online Tuesday night. In the video, the married family-values crusader from Yorba Linda talks in graphic detail about women he said he slept with -- at least one of whom appeared to be a lobbyist with business before the utilities committee on which Duvall sat as vice chairman. . . . "The use of sexual favors is just one more example of the tactics that energy companies and lobbyists have used to win favorable laws from lawmakers," said Kathay Feng, president of California Common Cause. As TV camera crews chased lawmakers through Capitol corridors for comment on the scandal Wednesday, the place was abuzz with gossip: other lawmakers with lobbyist mistresses, inappropriate invitations to romantic dinners, married legislators and industry officials canoodling at fundraisers and after-hours mixers. Duvall, some said, just happened to get caught. His remarks were videotaped during a July hearing of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and aired on a KCAL television news program Tuesday night. In the video, the socially conservative Duvall tells fellow Assemblyman Jeff Miller (R-Corona) in uninhibited detail about trysts with two women, neither his wife. The KCAL report says one of the women is a lobbyist for a major utility with business before Duvall's committee. In the video, Duvall says her birthday is July 6. That matches the birth date of a Sacramento lobbyist for the San Diego-based energy firm Sempra. . . . Duvall joined other Republicans in voting several times this year against renewable energy measures opposed by Sempra Energy. I wonder if this practice is widespread among lobbyists, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Duvall apparently wasn't shy about telling his fellow assemblyman about it.
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell Last edited by Puppycow; 12th September 2009 at 08:04 AM.

12th September 2009, 09:29 AM	#3
applecorped Rotten to the core Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,680	It takes two.
	__________________ It's all in the mind.

12th September 2009, 10:18 AM	#4
quixotecoyote Howling to glory I go Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,300	Originally Posted by applecorped It takes two. Three, to be accurate in this case.
	__________________ Ladewig: I'll start worrying about the media's liberal bias the day I hear of labor negotiations described as management demands and union concessions. Thank you for the avatar xkcd.

12th September 2009, 10:22 AM	#5
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	Originally Posted by Policenaut I'm sure it happens quite often and only idiots like this guy get caught. If he didn't feel the need to brag to his buddies this probably would have never come to light. Just another lobbyist perk. Free food, gifts, money, and sex. What did Henry Kissenger say? 90% of politicians give the other 10% a bad name?
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell

12th September 2009, 01:07 PM	#6
LostAngeles Anti-WM Jihadist Join Date: May 2004 Location: Having a cup of tea. Posts: 10,025	Originally Posted by Puppycow Another month, another social conservative republican sex scandal. This one's pretty shocking though. This one involves a lawmaker (who happens to be a "family-values" conservative) bragging about his sexual exploits with two women, at least one a lobbyist, to another lawmaker. I don't think I have an overly naive view of politics and lobbyists, but I was somewhat surprised by the brazenness of this. I wonder if this practice is widespread among lobbyists, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Duvall apparently wasn't shy about telling his fellow assemblyman about it. Actually? Yeah. L.A. Times story on perks in the capital Quote: Reporting from Sacramento - For many who join the select club of 120 known as the California Legislature, everything changes. Once inside, they find an army of lobbyists and corporate executives at their disposal, more than eager to shower them with food, drink, travel and -- in some cases -- sex. The case of Michael Duvall, the 54-year-old Yorba Linda assemblyman who resigned Wednesday after the disclosure that he bragged over an open microphone of apparent sexual trysts, is a window into a world in which those who vie to sit through dreary legislative meetings can be rewarded in more bacchanalian ways. Beyond lavish meals with fine wines, special interests offer overseas junkets, pro basketball games and weekends at spas and golf resorts that pair their lobbyists with lawmakers. "When you're in Sacramento, the entire city is dedicated to making you feel important and special," said Don Perata, a former state Senate leader. ... At the annual "Speaker's Cup" at Pebble Beach this year, dozens of lobbyists had a chance to rub elbows with Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles). One lobbyist, Darius Anderson, has been known for arranging trips to Cuba. The state prison guards' union has sponsored lawmakers' voyages to Maui, paying for some of their expenses there. At least one company, BP America, has set up an automated hotline that lawmakers and staff can call for freebies to concerts, shows and sports events. Legislators may even "ask a member of their own staff to call on their behalf," BP's phone message says. The firm has spent more than $39,000 on giveaways since 2008. One of the biggest spenders in Sacramento is AT&T, which has e-mail addresses that lawmakers and their staffs use to request tickets. The company reported $53,000 worth of giveaways in the first half of 2009, including a Britney Spears concert and seats at a Lakers playoff game. ... One longtime Sacramento lobbyist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of offending lawmakers, acknowledged that sexual relationships sometimes develop, although not many. More commonly, big lobbying firms hire attractive women. The legislators are thrilled by the women's attention at fundraisers and other events, the lobbyist said. "If there's a beautiful woman sitting there that's with you from your firm, you're going to have at least half of the guys that are legislators come over and initiate conversations with her," the lobbyist said. "She doesn't have to sleep with them, but it's just the fact she's there and she's nice to them." Male lawmakers are not the only targets. Former Sen. Sheila Kuehl, a Santa Monica Democrat and California's first openly lesbian lawmaker, recounted that the National Rifle Assn. once sent a "really good-looking" woman, whom she took to be a lesbian, to lobby her against restrictive gun laws. "Why would she be the one coming to talk to me to talk about the NRA?" said Kuehl, who left office in 2008. "I'm sure they said, 'Let's send her to talk to Sheila.' I found it sort of amusing, actually." ...
	__________________ "There is also a likelihood that the settlement will fall between two biomes, potentially hazardous if the player expects a peaceful oceanside meadow, without realizing the ocean is full of amphibious zombie whales." - Dwarf Fortress Wik

12th September 2009, 09:24 AM	#2
Policenaut Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Shadow Moses Island Posts: 1,330	I'm sure it happens quite often and only idiots like this guy get caught. If he didn't feel the need to brag to his buddies this probably would have never come to light. Just another lobbyist perk. Free food, gifts, money, and sex.

12th September 2009, 01:34 PM	#7
Dr Adequate Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Waiting Long Enough By The River Posts: 17,902	I announce my candidacy.

12th September 2009, 02:14 PM	#8
Eyeron Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,774	So if the guy were single would this have mattered as much?
Eyeron Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,774

12th September 2009, 02:25 PM	#9
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 14,830	Originally Posted by Eyeron So if the guy were single would this have mattered as much? Yes, because the lobbyist he was schtupping is a lobbyist for Sempra Energy and Duvall was on the Utility and Commerce committee.
	__________________ In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the stakes at issue. - Wallace Sayre Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

12th September 2009, 06:48 PM	#10
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson Yes, because the lobbyist he was schtupping is a lobbyist for Sempra Energy and Duvall was on the Utility and Commerce committee. Yeah, if he was just cheating on his wife, it wouldn't really be worth discussing (except maybe the "family-values" hypocrisy angle). This is mostly about political corruption.
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell

12th September 2009, 07:23 PM	#11
Doubt Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,891	Did anybody get the lobbyist's side of the story yet? The could also have been bragging about something that did not happen. Of course, he would still be in the wrong.
Doubt Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,891	__________________ Doubt world tour locations: Tolyatti, Russia again. Oct. 21 to Nov. something-or-other. Monterrey, Mexico? Russia again? Maybe? Disclaimer: Not a high energy scientist!

12th September 2009, 07:29 PM	#12
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 14,830	Sempra Energy is denying the allegations on her behalf: Quote: “Sempra Energy takes very seriously any reports involving the conduct of our employees. We are investigating this matter and the recent media reports that named one of our employees. The employee has denied the speculative media reports. Our investigation will be conducted to ensure not only that our policies on employee conduct are strictly adhered to, but also that our employee is treated fairly.” http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com...up-with/21281/
	__________________ In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the stakes at issue. - Wallace Sayre Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

12th September 2009, 09:53 PM	#13
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson Sempra Energy is denying the allegations on her behalf: http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com...up-with/21281/ To be precise, they are reporting that the employee denied the allegations and that the company is investigating the allegations. Quote: The employee has denied the speculative media reports. The company is keeping its options open. There could be legal implications so they will probably try to throw her under the bus if it looks like she's going to drag the company into trouble.
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell