Republican Congresscreep Vern Buchanan of Florida is an odd guy, even for a Republican.

Vern: Former 1%er

There’s a limit to what a person can give a congressman’s campaign.  So, Vern came up with a little money laundering scheme.  He asked his business partner, Sam Kazran, to “improperly reimburse his employees for contributions they made to Buchanan’s congressional campaigns”.  Sam would give, say,  $2,000 to one of their employees, say Joe Bob, and then Joe Bob would give it to Vern’s campaign.

There’s a word for this type of stuff:  illegal.

So, the Department of Justice has opened an investigation.  Vern has an odd defense:  he’s the victim.  Vern says that the employees they asked to do the illegal deal are extorting him.  He wants an immediate investigation of this heinous blackmail attempt!

Would I kid you?  No, I would not.  Okay, I probably would, but not in this case.

I don’t think Vern has much faith in getting the Feds to care more about blackmailing a crook than actually catching the crook, because this 1%er is liquidating his accessorizes of wealth.  Maybe for legal fees at Patton Boggs, not a cut rate law firm.

Late last year, Vern sold three of his auto dealerships.  Yet, as late as last July, they were talking about him running for statewide office, like maybe senate.

Next, he dumps his penthouse at a loss —

Congressman Vern Buchanan has sold his 4,127-square-foot penthouse condo at the Plaza at Five Points building in downtown Sarasota to Anthony and Kathy Sanzo for $2.167 million, or $268,000 less than he paid five years ago.

Then, there’s the yacht. In August, he sold it at a $2 million loss.

Still, attracting a buyer has been a bit of a challenge it appears. Buchanan’s company initially sought $6.49 million for the yacht, but lowered the asking price to $4.49 million.

Denison now declares the blue and white vessel a “MUST SELL!” in its listings.

I’m not saying that Vern will be putting his Gucci loafers on Ebay, but it wouldn’t hurt to check ever so often because the boy is needing some quick cash.

When he goes over to Occupy Wall Street and tries to sell his cashmere overcoat, I will be a happy woman.

Thanks to Alfredo over at the Dairy Queen for coffee and grins this morning.