Darrell Issa made his millions by developing and selling car alarms, including the top-selling Viper. Issa's own voice was used for the Viper, which would say things like, "Step away from the car." He has stated that he started the company because his BROTHER was a prolific car thief.
The company, Directed Electronics, is responsible for Issa's listed worth of $303 million dollars (reported by CNBC in November of 2010). He was listed in 2009 as the second wealthiest member of Congress, with only John Kerry being worth more money. In November of 2010, CNBC reported that Darrell Issa is the richest member of Congress, surpassing John Kerry.
Whenever Congressman Issa is pressed by reporters to explain past arrests and scandals, he has almost always bristled and brushed off the questions. He has repeatedly stated that he was "just a kid" or that it "was my brother."
He additionally states that these things happened so long ago that he really doesn't remember the details.
But in 1980, when Issa was indicted for felony auto theft, he was 27 years old. In 1982, when he was under suspicion for the arson fire, he was 29 years old. Just a kid? Too long ago to remember?
Issa's motivations for becoming a part of ongoing litigation are unknown, but they are in line with GOP efforts to bust unions and protect corporations.
When he attacked Gray Davis, Issa wanted the Governorship of California to be his prize. Many stated at the time that Issa had a longer history of arrests than of service to the state of California.
Outside the state of California, Issa has been a relative nobody until his Chairmanship. Now, even the Koch Brothers donate to Darrell Issa. Clearly, his efforts are an attempt to make a national name for himself in his Congressional position of power. If he successfully shuts down the NLRB lawsuit, Issa may be rewarded by his party, but he will never be President, or even Vice-President, which may be his ultimate goal. What reward does Issa expect? And if his efforts go unrewarded, will there be a national update to his infamous California crying scene?
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