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[Makonero]

On a bright morning in May 2016, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill tweeted a photo of a pink cocktail garnished with mint and a slice of melon. In the background, the Lake of the Ozarks shimmered in the sun.

“Watermelon mojito,” McCaskill tweeted. “Lake of the Ozarks. Family. Lucky.”

The lakefront vacation property in Missouri where McCaskill goes to escape the partisan chaos of Capitol Hill is owned by her husband, Joseph Shepard, and Rick DeStefane – a close family friend, a regular campaign donor, and a nursing home executive with a track record of serious safety problems in an industry the senator has vowed to clean up.

The allegations against DeStefane range from health and safety lapses linked to gruesome deaths at his nursing homes to a federal investigation into Medicare fraud, an investigation by McClatchy’s Kansas City Star has found.

Meanwhile, DeStefane has entered into multiple financial relationships with McCaskill’s husband while sending checks to underwrite McCaskill’s political career.

McCaskill maintained close, personal ties to DeStefane as she built a reputation as a watchdog against elder abuse and fraud.

She made a name for herself as state auditor in Missouri by cracking down on the nursing home industry. After her election to the Senate in 2006, she eventually became the top Democrat on the Special Committee on Aging, which oversees the federal agencies responsible for regulating nursing homes and investigating Medicare fraud.

In January, McCaskill joined the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for authorizing Medicare and Medicaid spending, the main source of funding for nursing homes.

Even as McCaskill shed those donations, she accepted new ones from DeStefane, who has been a consistent supporter of her campaigns over the years.

Since McCaskill first announced in 2005 she would run for the U.S. Senate, DeStefane has given $14,600 to her campaign committee, the maximum amount allowed.

When counting the dollars he sent to her joint fundraising committees and supportive political action committees, DeStefane’s contribution to McCaskill’s federal campaigns totals $61,200, according to an analysis of election records by The Star and the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog.

DeStefane’s most recent donation to McCaskill came on June 26. He gave $5,400, the most he’s allowed to give to her campaign committee this election cycle.

Two days later, DeStefane signed an agreement with the federal government to settle allegations that he and his nursing home company, Reliant Care Group, committed Medicare fraud by knowingly submitting false claims for unnecessary physical, speech, and occupational therapy to nursing home residents between Jan. 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014.

Reliant management reportedly pressured therapists to provide services they did not believe were medically necessary and sought inflated reimbursement from Medicare “influenced by its own financial considerations,” according to settlement documents released by the Justice Department.

DeStefane and Reliant agreed to repay the federal government $8.3 million “to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience and expense of protracted litigation,” the settlement reads. He denied any wrongdoing.

And the kicker:

McCaskill would not talk to The Star or McClatchy for this story. Her spokesman, John LaBombard, said the senator was vaguely aware that DeStefane was involved in a civil dispute with the Justice Department through her family friendship with him.

She didn’t know details about the dispute, LaBombard said.

The senator’s personal relationship with DeStefane and her use of their shared vacation property at the lake don’t present any conflict of interest with her work in the Senate, he said.

Watermelon mojito me if old.

Read more here

 

[LucidMomentum]

You know there are tons of senators who don't care about fucking everyone over because they get to enjoy their weekends like this.

But then people use that as an excuse to paint all senators / politicians as bad and then both sides the hell out of things.

 

[Klotera]

There's a Netflix Ozark joke in there somewhere.

Seriously, though, it's not a good look. However, I feel like she's been good overall and want to give her the benefit of the doubt. I'm afraid this could be used against her in the next election. R's coming hard for her in a red state.

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

 

[Ogodei]

This is the sort of reporting that discourages Missouri Dems in 2018 while doing nothing to solve the problem.

 

[ShaggsMagoo]

This is the sort of reporting that discourages Missouri Dems in 2018 while doing nothing to solve the problem.

I believe that's the point.

 

[Mr. RPG]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

Yes, but he never flaunted his wealth like this.

 

[entremet]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

I think you missed the point. It’s more about the ruling class having access to those who violate flagrant laws meant to regulate those industries. Bribery in a sense.

The article is at fault tho. It framed the issue poorly.

 

[cDNA]

I believe that's the point.

What is the point help to elect a republican instead of McCaskill ?

 

[Makonero]

So no one read the excerpts or the article? She's buddy-buddy with the kind of people she's supposed to regulate. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, that's blatant corruption.

 

[Jeels]

So no one read the excerpts or the article? She's buddy-buddy with the kind of people she's supposed to regulate. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, that's blatant corruption.

The alternative is likely even more corruption. At least she will vote for things that will help the average poor person.

 

[PBY]

The alternative is likely even more corruption. At least she will vote for things that will help the average poor person.

I mean... that doesn't excuse this?

 

[Parmadillo Marshmallow]

The thing that gets me more than anything is that Senators can be bought for $5k-$15k. That's like pennies to a corporation, who can then reap millions/billions in regulatory changes.

 

[Makonero]

The thing that gets me more than anything is that Senators can be bought for $5k-$15k. That's like pennies to a corporation, who can then reap millions/billions in regulatory changes.

This is why Republicans have more money than Democrats, their donors have bigger pockets

 

[Maridia]

Why not use the article's actual, very descriptive title?

It'll be interesting to look at her work pertaining to senior care going forward.

 

[Fenderputty]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

IIRC, the OP literally posted Pelosi's net worth as though it's a logical argument for why she shouldn't be minority leader.

 

[Volimar]

The thing that gets me more than anything is that Senators can be bought for $5k-$15k. That's like pennies to a corporation, who can then reap millions/billions in regulatory changes.

So true. Senators should hold out for the big money. Too bad there are so many hands out in Washington that the corporations can literally just go to the next guy if a senator is too pricey.

 

[Klotera]

So no one read the excerpts or the article? She's buddy-buddy with the kind of people she's supposed to regulate. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, that's blatant corruption.

It's only corruption if it affects her votes. However, it certainly creates a bad perception.

 

[Kenstar]

I mean... that doesn't excuse this?

ARE YOU WITH US OR AGAINST US
RT THIS POST OR YOURE EXILED

 

[ReAxion]

i'm coming for that mojito.

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

I mean... that doesn't excuse this?

What would you prefer then?

Somebody who isn't corrupt at all, but can't get elected?

 

[PBY]

What would you prefer then?

Somebody who isn't corrupt at all, but can't get elected?

I'd prefer her to mitigate these obvious conflicts of interest?

 

[lenovox1]

Yes, but he never flaunted his wealth like this.

That would likely have more to do with Sanders' grasp and familiarity with social media than it does his lifestyle or values.

 

[thefro]

I'd prefer her to mitigate these obvious conflicts of interest?

So nobody in her immediate family can work with anyone who's rich?

 

[mhi]

Regardless of the economical system, a politician needs money to get the general public's attention and votes. And who has that money? The quote "Elite"; methods of how they got that money not withstanding. So do you think those "Elite" would spend their money in a goodwill cause? This applies to every politician above a certain level that has ever held office.

Is it really that hard to see beyond the veneer of politcs?

The saying goes "Money moves the world" not "Humbled and fair politicians whose interest is to serve the public move the world"

 

[Wafflecakes]

I didn't see it explicitly stated in the article. Did this friendship exist prior to her election as a senator?

If it existed before, then I am going to say it is ok. Politicians are not (and should not be) required to cut long standing social ties.

If it was after her election, then I find it rather problematic.

 

[Skellig Gra]

Being rich is a prerequisite for running for any substantial position. You need to be able to afford not to work for atleast a year plus the obscene amount of advertising money.

 

[badcrumble]

brb googling which party she belongs to so I know whether to nod in agreement or accuse the OP of hating successful women

 

[hodayathink]

This is the sort of reporting that discourages Missouri Dems in 2018 while doing nothing to solve the problem.

I believe that's the point.

Yup, this is explicitly meant to hurt her in the 2018 election. And doesn't actually show that she had any influence on any of the government's decisions regarding him, just that it is "a bad look" for her to have known and taken contributions from him.

 

[Zyae]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

Owning a vacation home means you are doing pretty well for yourself but a 600,000 home isnt really a big deal in a lot of parts of the country, btw.

 

[lenovox1]

Yup, this is explicitly meant to hurt her in the 2018 election. And doesn't actually show that she had any influence on any of the government's decisions regarding him, just that it is "a bad look" for her to have known and taken contributions from him.

It's a clear hit piece that comes to zero conclusions. It's toxic.

 

[Your Entertainer]

She's >>>>>>>>> any possible republican, so please dont take her away from MO thx

 

[otapnam]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

After working for 40+ years you'd want something to show for it.

 

[Tain]

The alternative is likely even more corruption. At least she will vote for things that will help the average poor person.

ehhh

https://www.senate.gov/legislative/...ote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=1&vote=00198

 

[gabbo]

I mean... that doesn't excuse this?

This article isn't exactly trying hide its agenda, and anti-corruption aint it.

 

[Rentahamster]

Bernie Sanders, the people's champion, owns a 600,000 dollar vacation home. Here's a newsflash, Senators are usually richer than the average nobody.

The point is not just that they're rich. It's that they use their positions of power to gain an upper hand that most people don't have access too, plus there might be a conflict of interest when the hen watchers also can gain financially from the foxes.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=452041

 

[CornDogg]

I didn't see it explicitly stated in the article. Did this friendship exist prior to her election as a senator?

If it existed before, then I am going to say it is ok. Politicians are not (and should not be) required to cut long standing social ties.

If it was after her election, then I find it rather problematic.

Yeah, I think some more information is needed.

That said, I think it's interesting that this is also a shared vacation property. Makes me think that, even if there's some questionable stuff here, she's likely not the most egregious example of corruption in politics.

 

[Matt]

There is no evidence of corruption in that article. There isn't evidence of anything, except McCaskill is well off (like most politicians to one extent or another), and is long-time friends with a rich person.

 

[Oblivion]

Really? Of all the senators to go after on the subject of wealthy, out of touch elites, they go after Claire McCaskill?

 

[leroidys]

Read the OP, the vacation home thing doesn't really have anything to do with it.

 

[elrechazado]

I think you missed the point. It’s more about the ruling class having access to those who violate flagrant laws meant to regulate those industries. Bribery in a sense.

The article is at fault tho. It framed the issue poorly.

Like when powerful people get shady loans based on influence peddling? Bernie would never be involved in something like that at least.

 

[BertramCooper]

Oh well guess we gotta primary her and then lose her seat to some asshole who wants to deregulate the infant car seat industry

 

[zero_suit]

Like when powerful people get shady loans based on influence peddling? Bernie would never be involved in something like that at least.

Hehe

 

[Acerac]

The thing that gets me more than anything is that Senators can be bought for $5k-$15k. That's like pennies to a corporation, who can then reap millions/billions in regulatory changes.

I question how the public at large sees no issue with this. Is it ignorance?

 

[Matt]

Read the OP, the vacation home thing doesn't really have anything to do with it.

I'm not even sure what "it" is in this case.

Seems like a classic hatchet job.

 

[Africanus]

She worked hard to launder all that money, might as well use it.
That pic also doesn't have enough blue shading to be real.

 

[Armaros]

I'm not even sure what "it" is in this case.

Seems like a classic hatchet job.

Bingo it's just to make democrats not want to come ouget for midterms

Not convince anyone of anything concrete.

 

[TyrantII]

And if you think that's bad, pick a random Republican.

Because things can always get worse. Much worse.

 

[q1dm4]

eat the rich

 

[Dr. Worm]

DeStefane's case was being handled by the Justice Department, which is part of the executive branch. Where does the Senate come into this?

And that title is just wow.