San Diego
California Republican Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a legendary former Navy fighter pilot, resigned in tears this week, admitting to taking $2.4 million in bribes to steer Pentagon contracts to certain defense contractors. He could receive up to 10 years in jail for receiving the bribes, which took the form of cash payments, antiques, a Rolls-Royce, and yacht club fees. Cunningham’s career as a Navy fighter ace in Vietnam inspired the movie Top Gun. He has served eight terms in Congress. “He did the worst thing an elected official can do—he enriched himself through his position and violated the trust of those who put him there,” said U.S. Attorney Carol Lam. With his voice quavering, Cunningham, 63, told reporters, “In my life I have known great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame.”
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