Petraeus shocked to hear of mistress’ emails to friend
TAMPA, Fla. — CIA Director David Petraeus was shocked to learn his mistress was suspected of sending threatening emails warning another woman to stay away from him, former staff members and friends told The Associated Press Monday.
Petraeus told these associates his relationship with the second woman, Tampa socialite Jill Kelley, was platonic, though his biographer-turned-lover Paula Broadwell apparently saw her as a romantic rival. Retired Gen. Petraeus also denied to these associates that he had given Broadwell any of the sensitive military information alleged to have been found on her computer, saying anything she had must have been provided by other commanders during reporting trips to Afghanistan.
The associates spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss the matters, which could be part of an FBI investigation.
Petraeus, who led U.S. military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, resigned Friday, acknowledging his extramarital affair with Broadwell and expressing deep regret.
New details of the investigation that brought an end to his storied career emerged as President Barack Obama hunted for a new CIA director and members of Congress questioned why the months-long probe was kept quiet for so long.
Belize police seek founder of McAfee software to question him in murder
MEXICO CITY — Police in Belize are looking for the founder of the software company McAfee Inc. to question him about the death of another U.S. citizen, his neighbor in an island town on the Caribbean.
Spokesman Raphael Martinez says John McAfee was the neighbor of 52-year-old Gregory Viant Faull. Faull was found with a gunshot wound to his head inside his home north of San Pedro, a town on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Martinez says other neighbors have been questioned, but McAfee has not been home. McAfee could not be reached for comment by The Associated Press.
Martinez said Monday that Faull’s computer and phone were missing, but there were no signs of forced entry. The housekeeper discovered the body Sunday and called police.
Congress returns to unfinished business with fiscal cliff looming
WASHINGTON — Congress returns Tuesday to a crowded agenda of unfinished business overshadowed by the urgent need for President Barack Obama and lawmakers to avert the economic double hit of tax increases and automatic spending cuts.
One week after the elections — and seven weeks after they last gathered in Washington, Republicans and Democrats face a daunting task in a lame-duck session that Capitol Hill fears could last until the final hours of Dec. 31. But even before serious budget negotiations can begin, lawmakers will tackle leftover legislation on trade with Russia, military budgets and aiding farmers still reeling from the summer’s drought.
The first days back will be a mix of old and new — choosing down-ballot leaders in the Senate while the 12 new members, three Republicans, eight Democrats and one independent, are introduced to their colleagues. The House will welcome some 70 new members who will get a crash course on how Congress operates with a class on ethics Wednesday.
While the nation’s voters endorsed the status quo of divided government — a Democratic president and Senate, a Republican House — Obama cruised to re-election and his emboldened party gained seats in both the House and Senate. In the new political order, Democrats will hold a 55-45 edge in the Senate if independent Angus King of Maine caucuses with them as expected. Republicans’ advantage in the House narrows and likely will stand at 233-201.
By wire sources
