Four conservative activists were arrested for attempting to interfere with the telephones in Senator Mary Landrieu's New Orleans office. One of them is James O'Keefe, who posed as a pimp to target the community organizing group ACORN. Another is Robert Flanagan, the son of acting U.S. Atty. Bill Flanagan in Shreveport. A third is Joseph Basel. O'Keefe was in Landrieu's office when Flanagan and Basel arrived, claiming to be telephone repairmen. Stan Dai was not in the Senator's office, but was arrested, later, for assisting the others in planning, coordinating and preparing the operation.Bill Flanagan has been serving as Acting U.S. Attorney since Donald Washington, who was appointed by George W. Bush, resigned on Monday, January 18th, 2010. President Obama nominated Stephanie Finley to replace Washington on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. She must be confirmed by the Senate before she can take the post.
Talking Points Memo has a story. TPM's rendering of the FBI's affidavit is here.
Andrew Brietbart, whose Big Government site published O'Keefe's pimp video states, "We have no knowledge about or connection to any alleged acts and events involving James O'Keefe at Senator Mary Landrieu's office." But, later, "I pay O'Keefe a salary."
Arrestees share a common experience as young ideologues writing for conservative publications.
The Leadership Institute.
The Pelican Institute.
Update: Bill Flanagan, William J. Flanagan, was a First Assistant U.S. Attorney, before becoming Acting U.S. Attorney in the wake of Washington's resignation. Flanagan is not a presidential appointee. William J. Flanagan, First AUSA. Is he this William J. Flanagan, a partner in a D.C. law firm?
Update: The arrestees were just trying to help. Sure they were.
Update: Full TPM coverage is here.
Update: The Times-Picayune broke the story and may have updates.
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