BREAKING NEWS: At RollCall.com, Hildebrand names Chad Schuldt as the employee who allegedly committed the theft in “Hildygate”
From Roll Call:
Hildebrand Deputy Fired Amid Embezzlement Allegations
Thursday, July 26; 12:48 pmSteve Hildebrand, founding partner of the Democratic consulting firm Hildebrand Tewes and key adviser to Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) presidential campaign, confirmed Thursday that Chad Schuldt was fired from his firm for allegedly embezzling “over $100,000.”
and..
“He took money from our firm instead of paying the IRS the taxes it was due,” Hildebrand said in a brief telephone interview Thursday afternoon.
Hildebrand declined to specify how much money was embezzled, citing an ongoing investigation. He said some of the firm’s clients have asked questions about the matter but that they have been very supportive upon hearing the explanation.
The incident, Hildebrand said, “has not interrupted any relationships in any way.”
This is a pretty sad day for all concerned. if it’s proven true, I hope Chad gets the help he needs, and I hope Steve gets all of his money back, with the appropriate justice.
It’s not like it hasn’t been buzzing around the blogosphere, but you have to hope the rumors are wrong.
As one of the comments I had to redact earlier noted:
Chad Schuldt from May 13, 2005: “The problem is not Thune’s lack of clout, but rather it’s his lying about it. It isn’t even about Ellsworth specifically. It’s about character, and South Dakotans don’t like liars.
This is so ugly, especially since this might have been going on during all the time that Chad was calling Republicans out for lying (as he saw it). Unfortunately, it voids any moral authority his words might have had.
I liked Chad. He was always up for a spirited debate, and he was a very worthy foil.
Unfortunately, it looks as if his good qualities might be forever overshadowed by what he’s accused of doing.
And as I said before in reference to “Hildygate,” as much as you might be tempted, try not to blame Hildebrand. He’s the victim. Not only has he lost money, he’s lost his friend, and inevitably, a bit of trust in his fellow man.
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Comments
What I find truly outrageous is that Chad Schuldt was always trying to get people fired. He went after Belfrage’s advertisers. He went after Toshiba for employing Sibby. He wanted people to contact Northern University and complain about Professors Blanchard and Schaff. He even tried to make an issue of PP working for the state. I’m sorry for his family in all this, but Chad Schuldt is not a nice guy, I’m sorry PP.
Hildebrand is totally “innocent,” eh? Did he report this crime right away like the law requires? Did he wait to see if thing would blow over before reporting this crime? Will someone ask him these relevant questions?
Chad Schuldt: “How anyone can identify themselves with this bunch we have running the country is beyond me. They are the possibly the worst people in the world.”
don’t forget all the attacks on Catholic priests, on people who were trying to promote celibacy and avoid the cultural sewer of our country, and all his attacks on people of faith.
Chad Schuldt: “I think the last person who should be commenting on the abortion issue is a 35-year old virgin who hangs out with conservative Catholic priests. But since he brought it up, I think Professor Schaff…”
“Roger Hunt, who claims to be ‘Christian’, sure seems to have a problem telling the truth.” Chad Schuldt–
I can’t believe I ever listened to Steve Hildebrand and Chad Schuldt. This is simply appalling. Count me out of “progressive” causes ever again.
Normally, I’m forgiving. But this man constantly smeared people and attacked their livelihoods and it was disgusting. He deserves the 10 years in the slammer he might get. As for Hildebrand, maybe he’d didn’t embezzle, but he is hardly “innocent.” He employed Chad Schuldt and let him run a website where he did nothing but attack and degrade people and made all bloggers look like mafioso. They can both rot as far as I care. Let’s get back to normal now.
“I could care less if Rove or Libby find their way behind bars.” — Chad Schuldt
we could find these nuggetts all day long!
let’s have a contest to find the most self-righteous Chad Schuldt quote
http://www.cleancutkid.com/2005/07/18/more-rove-plame-and-bush
“These are absolutely despicable people we have running this country. The absolute worst. I pray for them to change their ways and for their eventual salvation.” — Chad Schuldt
In past posts, I recall PP reminding everybody that people are “innocent until proven guilty.”
In the eyes of the law, Chad Schuldt is innocent at this time.
Chad Schuldt, the “Clean Cut Kid,” is essentially the Jimmy Swaggart of the left, if this proves true. And you know how much the left loved to attack Swaggart.
I think you could find mean-spirited, hypocritical Schuldt quotes all day long. Should be fun to watch.
I wonder what Foxgrandma, Lucille, and some of CCK’s other loyal commenters have to say? Most of them are just as vile, and Chad was God to them.
There is simply nothing like left-wing self-righteousness, the fulminations from the left about how “fascist” and “crazy” its opponents are. Now the leader of left-wing superiority/self-righteousness in South Dakota who has been capping Republicans for years, is embroiled in a criminal investigation of embezzlement. This shouldn’t make me feel good, but the irony is just too delightful.
Hildebrand’s responsibility in all this should not be lost sight of. He paid Chad Schuldt money. He hired Chad. He gave Chad his marching orders. He praised Chad as a “brilliant strategist.” Chad was essentially Hildy’s mouthpiece.
Chad Schuldt also liked to attack a reporter or two. I remember him going after Bob Mercer.
by the way, will Chad’s close friend Dave Kranz write about this story?????
We should all be charitable in this trying time for Chad Schuldt. It’s not easy, because Chad didn’t make it easy. He was not easy to like or love and he was hateful toward many Christians. But it’s your duty to be charitable and pray for his family.
Why was this so hard? Why can Roll Call report this while the Argus Leader GIVES SCHULDT A PASS?? Apparently, Schuldt and Kranz are buddies and also Schuldt USED TO WORK AT THE ARGUS LEADER!
#9: so, the idea is that one should quit his or her current world-view because one guy made one mistake (or more likely a series of mistakes)? is one’s moral barometer is so inconstant that the failings of one individual will cause him or her, in turn, to embrace a nationalistic movement towards political hegemony?
#11: “let’s have a contest to find the most self-righteous Chad Schuldt quote” ~ yes, that would undoubtedly be the Christian thing to do. point obvious fingers at Chad for his alleged actions, while ignoring all the documented moral and ethical problems with many of those who promote the theocratic movement.
the various premises, that because Chad allegedly did a bad thing somehow invalidates his recognition of his political opponents’ collective inconstancy and duplicity is simply silly. how many Republican leaders are currently under investigation for various crimes? literally dozens. one blogger from South Dakota allegedly doing a bad thing hardly trumps what can easily be described as institutionalized lawlessness.
#16. “I wonder what Foxgrandma, Lucille, and some of CCK’s other loyal commenters have to say? Most of them are just as vile, and Chad was God to them.” ~ Chad was never God to any of us. to those of us who are Christians (which actually constitutes most of the commentators and bloggers on CCK), only God is God. just because liberal Christians don’t share conservative Christianity’s propensity for theocratic rule doesn’t make them less Christian. for the rest of us, the idea of being God-LESS means that Chad also wasn’t our God, because we don’t choose to have one. did we admire him for his willingness to promote our ideologies? Certainly no less than folks on the “other side” admire PP. is PP your God?
while I am certainly embarrassed by Chad’s alleged actions, I am more concerned with the potential impact it may have on Hildebrand’s clients, and the impact that it will have on South Dakota politics as the general public, like so many of the commentators here, will rush to find the variously obvious examples of Chad’s alleged duplicity while cavorting in the joyfulness of “bringing one of those lefties down” — all the while forgetting that his observations of Republican duplicity and amorality were entirely accurate, and more importantly, while blatantly ignoring just how irate they would have been if these things had been said about a Republican operative before he was actually convicted.
Dave Kranz, “Johnson organization got unexpected help,” Argus Leader, November 10, 2002:
Johnson’s campaign began proclaiming the conclusion a week ago. Last Saturday, Steve Hildebrand put it bluntly: “We’re going to win.”
That’s not a surprising proclamation from a campaign manager who is paid well to think positive.
The Mitchell native offered evidence from Chad Schuldt. As a teen-ager, Schuldt ran a baseball card store. Then he went through a phase with blue hair. He counts into double figures when listing Bob Dylan concerts he has attended.
Now this sports and music guy is a numbers wizard.
“It is mathematically impossible for Thune to win,” he said.
Schuldt was so convincing that you started thinking he was either sure of himself or full of himself.
He explained the reason and repeated it again: “Mathematically impossible.”
Chad Schuldt on April 11, 2007:
“These people really are the most lying crooked bunch we’ve ever seen.”
“KELO-AM radio program director and right-wing hack Greg Belfrage must be proud that he continues to give airtime to a liar who just makes shit up to fit the wacky world only found inside the heads of Sibby and the NSU political science department.” — Chad Schuldt, July 10, 2006
I don’t understand Schuldt’s connection to Kranz and the Argus? I don’t understand why the washington newspaper ran his name but the Argus Leader did not? not blaming, just wondering what this means
Perhaps Chad was not in the best position to cast stones, but many of his throws were still on target.
Because he is an alleged crook doesn’t mean everything he ever said or did is a lie.
I will miss Chad. I found him to be childish at times and didn’t agree with him often but he always made me think. I did think he know and belived what he said. I can not begin to imgine how his family feels and find nothing about this that makes me happy. I don’t like Hildebrand one bit but only a fool would place balme for this on him.
Everyone should feel for Chad Schuldt’s family. This ain’t good. Chad’s problem in addition to righteousness is that people think, if the shoes were reversed, that he would stomp the alleged’s head in and denounce theirs sins irregardless of their pleas for mercy.
Who in their right mind would be tempted to blame Hildebrand? Is this a new paradigm? Blame people who hire people who steal from their employer? So, if you hire me and I steal from you, it’s your fault? May I have a job?
In any event, it’s no loss. As a blogger Schuldt was never more than an ignorant thug. If the charge is true then he is an ignorant, thieving thug. Plenty of those on both sides of the aisle.
Not as much grave-dancing as I thought there would be. Mayhap it would help if Chad came “clean” and asked for forgiveness from all those fellow brother bloggers who he has given the lash.
The Argus Leader’s policy is not to report accusations of theft until and unless there are criminal charges filed. This is consistent with most mainstream news organizations…
(Many South Dakotans agree this is a prudent policy)
Roll Call apparently has a less stringnent policy
Roll Call seemingly reported that Schuldt was fired and just asked Hildebrand that single question. Schuldt is a big figure in politics so his firing is news from a big consulting outfit. Kranz calls Schuldt a campaign “wizard” and all that so the Argus knows he is a public figure. Was the Argus just protecting one of their former employees?
I just don’t think it is wise for the news media to go reporting allegations even before the police allege any crimes took place… Whenpolice file chargfes, that is the appropriate time to name names
Hmmm. If Chad is guilty, does this mean he won’t be able to vote in ‘08? Can’t help it. That thought just brings a smile to my face.
35. Chad Schuldt’s alleged actions aren’t remotely comparable to Ted Klaudt’s. Remember that horrific 28-page affadavit that made many people (myself included) physically ill?
The rest of you can find quotes from Chad all day long, but the people he “trashed” most often were/are elected officials. The corruption in the Bush Administration isn’t really comparable to his alleged crimes. There’s a difference between ripping off a private employer and ripping off millions of taxpayers.
Again, the Argus Leader is in the middle of this mess looking dumb. Why do they find it so important to protect their liberal allies? If this was Republican, it would be page 1 and they’d do a week-long series on it and 3 Kranz columns.
It was the Argus Leader that broke the story . . !
Printing one’s name before he/she is charged with a crime is reckless.
Suppose charges are never filed, and Chad Schuldt gets up in front of a judge and says the Argus Leader libeled me ? What would be the newspaper’s defense ?
The otehr thing is, KELO aand KSFY and mysioux falls .com have said nothing about this matter… so tdoes that mean they are somehow bias?
The fact remains that Argus Leader broke the story, even though they didn’t put someone’s name in the apper becasue charges have not been filed.
The AL got the story the same way RC did…spoon fed by friendly Hilde to cover his ass locally and in DC where the big $ clients are…spinning from the beginning…it’s not actual competence and ethics, but the appearance of competence and ethics that matter. Classic.
looks like the blogs were right all along….well done, Sibby. wasn’t Chad Schuldt always attacking Sibby as an “idiot.” who’s the idiot now?
This is much bigger than the Dan Sutton fiasco because that was basically he said-he said. In this case, Hildebrand canned his top lieutenant for supposely taking over $100,000 (this “over $100,000″ phrase leaves lots of leeway). Hildebrand wouldn’t have done this on a whim, like a mixed up kid might accuse someone of sexually harassing him. He would only do this because there was a serious problem.
the silence of the left-wingers is deafening…
when will this be on the state Democratic Party’s website “Badlands Blue”?
The Argus is happy to go with “un-named sources” and speculation and make up stories and put words in people’s mouths….but that’s when they are attacking Republicans. Democrats are given the soft-soap treatment.
Truly stunning news. I just dropped my ice cream cone. Holy nuts. The “Clean Cut Kid”? Wowser.
Another thing–that’s a pile of mullah! “at least” $100,000? Yikes!
What the h–l went on at that firm?
So, embezzlement is a state crime, I guess. So who investigates this? the DA or the AG or how does that work? does the IRS fraud angle mean the feds will investigate? lawyers, please chime in
Chad Schuldt’s entire schtick was centered around moral outrage. He’d call other people “lying liars” and “sick” and “disgusting” and “corrupt” and “unethical” and joke about them going to jail.
He lost his bearings long ago and stopped thinking and became a blind partisan, like Bob Dylan warning about:
“Memory, ecstasy, tyranny, hypocrisy
Betrayed by a kiss on a cool night of bliss
In the valley of the missing link
And you have no time to think.
Judges will haunt you, the country priestess will want you
Her worst is better than best.
I’ve seen all these decoys through a set of deep turquoise eyes
And I feel so depressed.
China doll, alcohol, duality, mortality.
Mercury rules you and destiny fools you
Like the plague, with a dangerous wink
And there’s no time to think.”
Ever have someone tap you on the right shoulder making you look that way then they move across your left side. Let’s not be fooled into looking the wrong way as this story unfolds. Don’t let Steve off the hook since he doesn’t mind what his associates do most of the time.
What did Hildy know and when did he know it? When did he report this? Did he wait to report this to the authorities until the press got wind of it? How much was stolen? How much did his clients like Obama and Daschle know or how much did he tell them?
The blogosphere outed this story and that’s good considering the SD MSM was sitting on its duff. But is this a larger failure of the local blogosphere? Should the blogs have policed CCK better? Should they have denounced his abuse and attacks more often and shunned him as breaking some low-threshold protocol. Probably this reveals some moral laxity on the part of the left-wing bloggers who really loved Chad’s attacks on Republicans and egged him on??
Could you post a picture of Chad so we can see who he is/ what he looks like? Also, all this talk of his poor family. Does he have a family/ wife/ kids?
PS- It’s not “innocent until proven guilty”, It’s PRESUMED innocent ,from a legal standpoint.
I quit reading Clean Cut Kid (what a misnomer BTW) a long time ago because of the type of posts he put up and the type of posters he attracted. All bad mouthed attacks of conservatives for the most part. And not much of substance. I had better things to do with my time than spend it there.
This is so much fun (probaby shouldn’t enjoy this, but I really do) now to see him caught doing exactly (and worse than actually) what he accused Republicans/conservatives of doing. And innocent or presumed innocent, evidently there is enough proof that he was canned and quit the blog.
The old saying, don’t point out the mote in someone else’s eye when ignoring the log in your own, really fits here. Guess he should have read his Bible more often and he would have found this gem too!
I do feel sorry for his family, but not especially for him.
Y’know, just because Chad’s been accused of this crime, it doesn’t invalidate his criticisms of all the horribly imorral activity some Republicans have done (and continue to do). This doesn’t make Roger Hunt, President Bush, Alberto Gonzalez and others suddenly innocent of their crimes.
And Sandra from #60: If SD blogs are going to be be “policed,” I would start with Sibby Online. That blog is filled with nothing by meanness and name-calling.
Just once I’d like to see one of these left-wingers actually say “that guy was loudmouthed jerk and we should not have been following him like sheep” but they can’t say that. They just can’t. There was just a poll released in Russia which says that 60% of Russians think Stalin was a great man. Yeah, all except the 40 million people he killed.
#46, I know what my defense would be if I were the Argus: Chad Schuldt is a public figure. Therefore, you have to prove that I showed “actual malice” in ANYTHING I say about him.
And once your name is in the news, it is extremely difficult to prove that you are not a public figure.
Chad Schuldt was like a hit-man for the left-wingers of South Dakota. If someone wasn’t bowing down and might raise a voice of dissent from a conservative point of view, Chad would whack them
nothing in today’s column about this from the foremost expert on politics Dave Kranz, who worked with Schuldt at the Argus Leader and played around with and collected baseball cards with him
63. The “crimes” you allege there are nothing but accusations brought up by libs in their continued hatred of Bush and anything conservative. It would be nice if the Congress could get down to actually accomplishing something other than trying to criminalize people for nothing except doing things the libs don’t agree with.
Chad, however, in this case has actually been accused of a real crime. Or at least the last time I checked stealing is a crime.
72. That’s why we call them out, Patti.
http://www.correntewire.com/refresh_your_memory_the_gop_has_always_been_the_party_of_perverts
Oop, now why did I go and post that here, all partisan and everything. What a heathen.
This is a giant helping of kharma and sweet justice rolled into one. The guy who was the leading trasher of all Republicans for being dishonest, unethical, lying cheats gets fired for theft. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.