March 31, 2008

Corrupt Bush crony Alphonso Jackson "resigns"

"Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president"

Corrupt HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson resigned on Monday amid multiple ethics investigations, a grand jury investigation and endless criticism from lawmakers on both sides.

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Housing and Urban Development Secretary Jackson, who said his resignation would take effect April 18, did not mention the allegations in his brief statement Monday, saying only he needed to focus on "personal and family matters."

The resignation comes after criticism from members of Congress that he has refused to respond adequately to allegations of impropriety.

U.S. Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., sent a letter to U.S. President George Bush earlier in March, urging him to ask for Jackson's resignation, saying accusations of wrongdoing made him ineffective. Jackson has denied any impropriety while leading HUD.

HUD runs the Federal Housing Administration, which insures mortgages for low-income homeowners and first-time home buyers. Congress and the White House have discussed expanding the FHA to play a bigger role in stabilizing the mortgage market. The agency also would be the keystone of a HUD plan to provide partial insurance to homeowners who owe on their mortgages than their homes are worth.

The latest claim of wrongdoing by Jackson stems from a Philadelphia redevelopment deal. The city's housing authority has sued, charging Jackson tried to punish the agency for blocking a deal involving a friend. Jackson earlier was cleared of wrongdoing after he made remarks that could have been interpreted that some contracts were awarded based on political affiliation.

In a statement to the press, Jackson said "There comes a time when one must attend more diligently to personal and family matters. Now is such a time for me."