JUDICIAL WATCH ANNOUNCES ITS LIST OF Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2008. I don’t really want any of them, though . . . .

Number Two is Chris Dodd:

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT): Question: Which member of the U.S. Senate tookthe most campaign money from corrupt institutions Fannie Mae and FreddieMac? Answer: Chris Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Giventhis fact there is little reason to wonder why Senator Dodd blocked reform proposals for Fannie and Freddie, calling them “ill advised.” Dodd’s willingness to protect Fannie and Freddie would alone merit a spot on the”ten most corrupt list,” but there is much more. Dodd was also nabbed for accepting preferential treatment and loan terms from Countrywide Financial.The Connecticut Senator admitted earlier this year that he was told in 2003when he refinanced two properties that he was being placed in Countrywide’s”VIP Program,” but said he believed this was simply a courtesy that hadnothing to do with his position in the U.S. Senate. This is either a blatant lie or horribly naïve for a man who has served in the Senate for more than 25 years and currently chairs the Senate Banking Committee that regulates the mortgage industry. We’re not buying it.

Don Young and Ted Stevens, though, only make positions 9 and 10. If I were them I’d demand a recount.

UPDATE: D’oh! Spec Bowers emails with something I’d missed: “It’s in alphabetical order so Dodd is only accidentally #2 and Stevens (#9) and Young (#10) can’t get a recount. They’re all pretty slimy; it would be hard to pick a #1.” I’d blame the hangover, except that I don’t have one — my New Year’s Eve celebration was rather tame.