That investigation really is getting a little too close to Hillary.
And the Podesta Group, that glittering jewel in the diadem of Democrat corruption, will soon be no more.
One of Washington's most prominent lobbying firms is on the verge of shuttering after becoming ensnared by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
Kimberley Fritts, the chief executive of the Podesta Group, told employees during a Thursday staff meeting that the firm would cease to exist at the end of the year, according to two sources. Employees were asked to clear out their desks and were told they may not be paid beyond November 15, multiple sources said.
Fritts told the employees the Podesta Group may try to provide health care through the end of the year, according to two people in the meeting.
Because Dems are all about the rights of employees. At least there's always ObamaCare.
Talk of potentially closing the Podesta Group marks a dramatic downfall of one of K Street's most iconic and well-connected firms. In its heyday, Podesta Group was the largest non-law firm lobbying organization in Washington. Tony Podesta, the firm's founder and chairman, helped fuel the company with work for foreign governments. He and his brother, John, founded the company almost three decades ago. (John Podesta chaired Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. He left the firm in 1993.)
Mueller is looking into whether the Podesta Group properly identified to federal authorities its foreign advocacy for the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine, according to people familiar with the investigation. The ECFMU is a Brussels-based non-profit group that federal prosecutors have called a mouthpiece for pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians.
And they're clearly not expecting a good outcome. The rats began fleeing the sinking ship in 5 minutes flat.
Podesta turned over his leadership responsibility to Fritts last week on the same day the Manafort and Gates indictments were unsealed. During an October 30 meeting with approximately 60 staffers,
Podesta said he would fight against his potential legal issues as well as the reputational risk he and his company faces, according to sources who heard the remarks.
But any hopes for a smooth transition quickly unraveled.Several top lobbyists are planning to leave the firm for various new ventures, according to eight sources. Fritts herself decided over the past week to leave and start a new firm.
Sic transit gloria corruptia.