Probed Lawmaker Loses Top Aide

Can’t say what it means, but doesn’t look to be a good sign: Rep. Pete Visclosky’s (D-IN) top aide reportedly resigned, amid a growing investigation into his boss.

Visclosky chief of staff Chuck Brimmer’s departure comes just days after news broke that Visclosky’s offices and some staffers received grand jury subpoenas for information regarding the now-defunct PMA Group lobbying firm.

Visclosky has been one of the top recipients of campaign donations from PMA lobbyists and their clients, and has funneled millions in earmarked funds to the client companies.  PMA is reportedly under investigation for alleged sham campaign donations.

Yesterday, Visclosky announced he would hand over control of the House Energy and Water Appropriations process, which oversees tens of billions of dollars in government spending annually.

Visclosky has returned some donations he received from individuals identifying themselves as PMA employees, and has supported an effort to open a congressional ethics inquiry into the firm’s activities.