Imminent Popcorn Shortage Crisis Foreseen

Hookergate limo service Shirlington Limousine and Transportation, Inc. may pose a threat to the world's popcorn supply. Ken Silverstein for Harper's follows up on his original reporting, and notes that drivers hired to pilot Shirlington limos require a security clearance, which company president Christopher D. Baker, given his exceedingly looooong criminal record, would not be able to himself obtain. "Yet Baker had no problem winning a sole-source contract from the DHS that has his company ferrying around town the most senior government officials charged with protecting the country from a terrorist attack." Josh Marshall details some additional background and detects a strong odor of fish. update: Ken and Josh have more! Silverstein reports that Shirlington operates with a variety of different names and frequently changing addresses. Josh discovers a smallish world of San Diego defense contractors, lobbyists and members of Congress. And Justin Rood for TPM Muckraker goes on a field trip.