Fred Thompson Criticized For Ties To Executive Accused of Fraud

Like Bill Richardson, this is another story where reality seems far more innocent (read:completely) than accusations may seem.

From The Daily News:

All-but-declared GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson is shilling for a company whose co-founder was accused of secretly tapping into people’s bank accounts.

The ex-”Law & Order” actor is airing a one-minute radio spot around the country for LifeLock, an identity-protection company co-founded by Robert Maynard.

“It’s part of his contract at ABC Radio Networks. Like the other on-air talent, they are contractually obligated to do some commercials,” said Thompson spokesman Mark Corallo.

As first reported in the Los Angeles Times, the Federal Trade Commission alleged in 1996 that Maynard got account numbers from consumers by peddling himself as a credit-repair expert who would clean up their credit reports.

Maynard settled the case without admitting to the charge, though he did agree to get out of the credit-fixing business.

ABC Radio Networks and Thompson’s spokesman said LifeLock is a legitimate company and he will continue to promote it. Maynard resigned last month as LifeLock’s marketing director when his past was revealed, but he remains a consultant and shareholder.

“The company seems to be fine. It’s currently giving away its services to soldiers and vets,” said Corallo. …

If Thompson jumps into the presidential contest, however, his radio days are over. “If he enters the race, obviously he will have to leave that all behind,” Corallo said.

Democrats jumped all over Thompson when they learned about the commercial.

“He’s lobbying for the powerful special interests … serving as the pitchman for a company whose owner is accused of fraud,” said Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Stacie Paxton. “It’s pretty clear that Fred Thompson stands for what’s best for him and his special interest friends, not the American people,” she added.

This is the type of accusation that when anyone actually reads about the details they end up rolling their eyes at. There’s absolutely nothing here.

I’m only posting it to call for the DNC (and RNC, which is their equal in this game, make no mistake) to stop trumpeting charges like this. A guy who used to work for a company committed fraud ten years, and since Thompson recorded a commercial for the company his judgment is questioned? This is why none of the DNC/RNC charges are ever repeated. They’re simply too obviously absurd, or made better by people with no connection to the party.