MSNBC: HUD Secretary calling a press conference
Source: MSNBC
Remember that post on the HUD Secretary being a disgrace? Well it looks like that is about to change:
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson, buffeted by allegations of cronyism and favoritism, is expected to announce his resignation Monday, sources close to the matter told the Wall Street Journal.
Jackson was to appear at a press conference Monday morning, according to the Journal. Asked if Jackson was planning to resign, HUD spokeswoman DJ Nordquist told the paper in an e-mailed statement that she was "not at liberty to say what the announcement is."
Several congressional lawmakers have called for Jackson to step down over his refusal to answer questions about his role in a Philadelphia redevelopment deal. The city's housing authority has filed a lawsuit charging that Jackson tried to punish the agency for nixing a deal involving music-producer-turned-developer Kenny Gamble, a friend of Jackson.
Earlier this month, Sens. Patty Murray of Washington state and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut said that Jackson's problems represented a "worsening distraction" at HUD at a time when the nation needs a credible housing secretary who is beyond suspicion.
Murray chairs a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on housing, while Dodd is chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The pair sent a letter to President Bush urging him to request Jackson's resignation.
Well this would be starting our Monday off right!
