Fake Memo Origins

The source for the fake memo to GOP leaders has been named. 

Mike Allen of the WaPo has the story...here is an excerpt:

"The legal counsel to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) admitted yesterday that he was the author of a memo citing the political advantage to Republicans of intervening in the case of Terri Schiavo, the senator said in an interview last night.

Brian H. Darling, 39, a former lobbyist for the Alexander Strategy Group on gun rights and other issues, offered his resignation and it was immediately accepted, Martinez said."

Captain's Quarters makes a great observation:

"Quite frankly, based on the poor presentation of this memo -- with its typographical errors, mislabeled Senate bill number, and the inept political approach it took -- it's difficult to understand why Brian Darling ever got a job in anyone's political office, let alone that of a US Senator. Darling didn't do Martinez or the GOP any favors by staying silent about his role, either. Had he owned up to writing the memo the first day it became controversial, it would have disappeared from the headlines as quickly as it rose. His resignation should really have been rejected; Martinez should have insisted on firing him instead."

There is an interesting comment on Captains Quarters by "dafydd" (though raw and partisan) that should be fully read by GOP staffers and politicians. 

As for me, I have looked at Congressional Internships via the Air Force and the nomination process for a job.  Though I am not discouraged, you pretty much have to be a "golden boy" just to get your records looked at.  Then you have to be interviewed and nominated, and so on, and so on.  How could these folks be so dumb? I know Brian Darling is no military professional...but he is legal counsel...hmmm.

The story is not over.  John Hinderaker ask some more questions:

"In particular, Allen offers no explanation as to why the anonymous memo was attributed to 'Republican officials' or 'Republican party leaders,' or why it was said to have been distributed 'to Republican senators,' when the current story provides no support for those statements."

"One more thought: The story as we currently have it does not account for the two versions of the memo, the second of which corrected three of the typos in the first draft. I have no idea what that means, except that the story as we are currently getting it from the AP, the Washington Post, and Senator Martinez does not account for all of the known facts."

Michelle Malkin has further comments, including one that Senator Martinez and his former legal counsel may still have some explaining to do.