Watergategate Expanded Universe Update 6/19/06

Justin Rood at TPM Muckraker has a post on grand jury investigations into activities in several Southern California towns. He links to a San Bernardino Sun article which reports: Another day, another city. Highland has joined a growing list of municipalities that have been subpoenaed by federal investigators who are examining the cozy relationship between Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, and a high-powered Washington lobbying firm. City Clerk Betty Hughes confirmed on Wednesday that Highland had received the subpoena from a federal grand jury. Highland would not release a copy of the subpoena. But some other cities have done so and the documents show investigators want all communication among Lewis, the lobbying firm, Copeland Lowery Jacquez Denton & White, and the municipalities. San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the cities of Redlands, Loma Linda, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley, and the Cal State San Bernardino Foundation have all received subpoenas, officials have confirmed. Investigators appear to be examining the relationships powerful lawmakers and their staff members have with lobbyists and the contractors they serve.