7/21/2005

Authorities seek testimony from Cunningham aide

WASHINGTON A top aide to San Diego-area Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham has been subpoenaed to testify in California as part of a federal investigation into the congressman's relationship with a defense contractor.

The aide, Cunningham's legislative director Nancy Lifset, notified the House of Representatives of the subpoena in accordance with House rules. It was announced on the House floor Wednesday evening.

A federal grand jury has convened to investigate reports that Mitchell Wade, founder of the defense firm M-Z-M, bought Cunningham's Del Mar house for a possibly inflated price and that Cunningham was living rent-free on Wade's boat.

Cunningham has denied wrongdoing. He announced last week that he would not seek re-election to a ninth term in Congress next year.

Associated Press / Via KESQ News