Post by Logan on Jun 9, 2016 0:01:02 GMT -6
Rendell, after testifying at Fattah trial: Federal prosecutors don't get it
Former Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday decried what he called "cynical" and "overreaching" prosecution in U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah's federal corruption trial, moments after testifying as a defense witness for a friend, fund-raiser, and former deputy mayor who is also charged in the case.
Speaking to reporters outside the federal courthouse, Rendell accused Justice Department lawyers of too often casting innocent friendships and political deal-making in a sinister light. He said prosecutors had twisted the truth in an effort to convict Herbert Vederman, his former deputy, who is accused of paying bribes to Fattah.
"Federal prosecutors don't understand the political process," he said. "They think everything is done for ulterior motives. They're very cynical. We're not all bad. We're not all evil."
The broadside, delivered on the day the defense rested its case, was remarkable not only for its intensity but also for the background of the man offering the criticism. Rendell served two terms as Philadelphia's district attorney. His wife is a retired federal appellate judge.
Read more at www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20160609_Rendell__If_case_is_proven__Fattah__should_be_found_guilty_and_go_to_jail_.html
Former Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday decried what he called "cynical" and "overreaching" prosecution in U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah's federal corruption trial, moments after testifying as a defense witness for a friend, fund-raiser, and former deputy mayor who is also charged in the case.
Speaking to reporters outside the federal courthouse, Rendell accused Justice Department lawyers of too often casting innocent friendships and political deal-making in a sinister light. He said prosecutors had twisted the truth in an effort to convict Herbert Vederman, his former deputy, who is accused of paying bribes to Fattah.
"Federal prosecutors don't understand the political process," he said. "They think everything is done for ulterior motives. They're very cynical. We're not all bad. We're not all evil."
The broadside, delivered on the day the defense rested its case, was remarkable not only for its intensity but also for the background of the man offering the criticism. Rendell served two terms as Philadelphia's district attorney. His wife is a retired federal appellate judge.
Read more at www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20160609_Rendell__If_case_is_proven__Fattah__should_be_found_guilty_and_go_to_jail_.html