U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi postured aggressively in front of a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, brandishing one Democrat’s avoidance of military service as he accused her of impropriety.
The heated exchange followed a question by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) about Bondi’s legal work in private practice, where he suggested that her former firm, Ballard Partners, lobbied the U.S. Justice Department to drop an investigation into a client.
“In the merger that took place involving American Express GBT (Global Business Travel), I understand that Brian Ballard, a longtime backer and head of the law firm where you worked, was instrumental in lobbying the Justice Department to drop that lawsuit. … What conversations did you have with Mr. Ballard?” Blumenthal asked.
Bondi was quick to respond, accusing the Connecticut Democrat of lying about his military record.
“Sen. Blumenthal, I cannot believe that you would accuse me of impropriety when you lied about your military service. You lied — you admitted you lied to be elected a U.S. senator,” she said, speaking over the senator.
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“How dare you? I’m a career prosecutor. Don’t you ever challenge my integrity,” she added. “Do not question my ability to be fair and impartial as attorney general, or anything regarding my former firm, Ballard Partners.”
During his first successful campaign in 2010, Blumenthal admitted he “misspoke” when claiming he had served in Vietnam, acknowledging that some of his past statements about his military service were inaccurate.
“On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service, and I regret that and take full responsibility,” Blumenthal said at the time, calling his embellishment “absolutely unintentional” and saying the mistakes were just several among “hundreds” of speeches he has given.
“Unlike many of my peers, I chose to join the military and serve my country,” he said. “I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service.”
According to the NYT, Blumenthal enlisted in the Marines in 1970, “virtually guaranteed that he would not be sent to Vietnam.” He was stationed in Washington, D.C., and Connecticut until 1976.
The blue hue of his home state has insulated Blumenthal from electoral repercussions following the controversy. He was last elected in 2022, handily defeating businesswoman Leora Levy with 57.5% of the vote.
But at 79, the senior senator from Connecticut is also on the wrong side of a roiling debate within the Democratic Party over its aged leadership. He is no doubt aware that Chuck Schumer, five years his junior, is facing the possibility of a primary by “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) during next year’s election.
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