News from
THE MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      
Contact: Jason Moon
517-371-5410
September 19, 2007

Knollenberg Refuses to Testify About Role in Corruption Case

MDP Demands Knollenberg Take the Stand in Duke Cunningham Bribery Scandal

LANSING – Today Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer criticized Republican Representative Joe Knollenberg for refusing to testify in the trial regarding defense contractor Brent Wilkes, who faces a trial on more than 30 counts of bribery, fraud, money laundering and conspiracy in connection with his relationship with former GOP Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham. Cunningham resigned and plead guilty to taking over $2 million in bribes. Knollenberg was issued a subpoena by Wilkes’ attorneys.

“Knollenberg’s refusal to comply with the subpoena is another example of his above the law attitude,” said Brewer. “What is Knollenberg hiding? The public deserves to know the truth about his relationship with Wilkes and his role in the GOP’s culture of corruption. Knollenberg should stop obstructing justice and testify.”

ACDS INC., the defense contracting firm of which Brent Wilkes is the former Chairman, gave $5000 dollars to Knollenberg. Brent Wilkes and Regina Wilkes have given $4000 to Knollenberg according to the FEC. Knollenberg has reportedly given the money away.

Knollenberg has a history of questionable political favors. The New York Times reported in 2005 that Knollenberg inserted a provision into a transportation bill that earmarked $8.3 million dollars to Amtrak if the railroad company dramatically increased the amount of freight it hauls. The sole supplier of rail cars to haul such freight is ExpressTrak, a company owned by one of Knollenberg’s largest donors, Anthony Soave.

###
Paid for by the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee,
606 Townsend St., Lansing, MI  48933. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.