Ask the congresswoman: Your questions for U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson

A week ago, I asked readers to submit questions they'd like to pose to U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, the triple-default Democrat from Long Beach who still hasn't explained details of the loan modification she negotiated with Washington Mutual in hopes of saving a home from foreclosure.

Here are the four reader questions I've submitted to Richardson's office:

Laker asked, "On your Sacramento house, for the benefit of the public and those that are about to lose their home to foreclosure, would you please disclose the agreement you've reached with WAMU on the loan modification?"

RahRahGrl asked, "Have you paid your property taxes (for all properties) in full?"

RZ asked, "How do you respond to constituents who think that your personal woes (house foreclosure, missed payments, etc.) have taken away your credibiility to make good decisions as a congresswoman?"

My Less Than Prime Beef asked, "Is it time yet for another Congressional pay raise?"

I've e-mailed these to Rep. Richardson's office and called also seeking answers.  I'll let you know if I hear back. Relatedly, it appears Richardson still enjoys the support of House leadership. This is from the AP today: "The majority leader of the U.S. House is holding a fundraiser for Southern California Congresswoman Laura Richardson despite reports about Richardson's history of defaulting on home loans and failing to pay off debts."

Your thoughts? Comments? E-mail story tips to peter.viles@latimes.com
Photo Credit: L.A. Times
 

Comments

[Maggie Knowles]

I wonder if there are other politicians in similar circumstances?

[Doug in Toronto]

I think the AP quote is incorrect. It should read (changes in brackets) "The majority leader of the U.S. House is holding a fundraiser for Southern California Congresswoman Laura Richardson (to reverse) Richardson's history of defaulting on home loans and failing to pay off debts."

[Rob Dawg]

House Leader Pelosi, why does Rep Richardson enjoy your full support and confidence?

[I Had A Dream]

Indeedeedo. The two top dawgs in the house, Pelosi and Hoyer, the ethics committee all seem to be protecting her. This is the "code"? Why is she so important to them that history is being rewritten? Are they bought and paid for by organized crime? Is she somehow key to this relationship? In the face of so many obvious frauds, they just keep going.

I can understand why it's difficult to take down a corrupt presidency, but this?

Reporters, figure that one out... why, when it is is abundantly obvious that fraud must have been committed on mortgage applications... why would the big fish protect her this way? Is she key to a bigger real estate fraud? Look into where she got the money to put 70% down ($320,000) on her Folsom house if it really is hers. Look into who Daniel is, the fellow that appears with her on title. Look into the people that Daniel does business with. Explore why none of this has been front page news anywhere.

[thebaglady]

I'd like to ask her if she really believes that she is a victim of the mortgage crisis. I can't believe she testified in front of congress as a person suffering from the banks' evils.

[Flyer`]

Why do I need to think you can manage my affairs and interests in government, when you can't manage your private affairs? To Nancy Pelosi: Why does this Representative still receive your support?

[Denier extraordinaire]

The Democratic Party = Culture of Corruption. Plain and simple.

[Skippy]

The do as I say not as I do party.

[Guy Arnold]

I do not see we taxpayers should help you in your quest for government help on your own defaults. You got into them, yopu get out without taxes help from us.