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Going Once, Twice For Crooked Congressman's Loot

Rugs, Antiques On Auction Block

POSTED: 7:42 pm PST March 20, 2006
UPDATED: 3:39 pm PST March 23, 2006

The very things that tempted a congressman into a life of corruption are now on sale, 10News reported.

Former U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham acquired a taste for the finer things -- a Rolls Royce, a yacht and even a home in Rancho Santa Fe.

He also loved the things that filled that home. Many of them were gifts from defense contractor Mitchell Wade.

There were Asian rugs worth thousands of dollars, French antiques, candlesticks and a Tiffany lamp.

"I can't undo what I have done, but I can atone," said Cunningham on Feb. 16.

The atonement for Cunningham began two weeks ago after being sentenced to more than eight years in a federal prison.

Cunningham admitted to taking bribes from Wade.

"Wade made well over $1 million in payoffs to former Congressman 'Duke' Cunningham," said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Waintsein.

In the end, Cunningham admitted he took at least $2 million in bribes from Wade.

Prospective buyers got their first look at the items Monday, which were sold Thursday at an auction house in Rancho Dominguez. Collectively, his assets sold for $94,625.00.

Proceeds from the auction go to the federal agencies involved in the Cunningham investigation.

Item Description Sold For
Candelabras Gorham Silver Co., silver-plated, five-light each $2,000
Sideboard/Buffet Pink marble top, two drawers, four doors, oval mirrored back $2,000
Oriental Rug Wool, dark blue border with concentric diamonds in center $10,000
Armoire/Wardrobe French provincial, two beveled mirror doors, carved crown and legs $4,000
Nightstands White marble tops, combination of woods with black laquered framed accents $3,400
Oriental Rug Wool, red border with elongated hexagonal center design, predominately teal and ivory on red fields $3,400
Oriental Rug Wool, red border with elongated hexagonal center design, predominately teal and ivory on red fields $9,000
Lingerie Cabinet Circa 1920s-'30s, two drawers, multiwood veneer, cedar lined wardrobe section, three small interior drawers $2,300
Armoire Walnut, single door with beveled mirror, carved shield crown, one drawer at base $2,750
Lustres/Candlestick Cobalt blue overlay cut to crystal, crystal prisms, 20th century $1,150
Nightstand Pink, grey, white marble top, one small drawer and one door, tin lined $1,250
Leather Sofa Hancock & Moore, brown, three cushions, brass tacks surround base, muffin feet $2,100
Sleigh Bed Stickley, cherry wood, king headboard and low footboard, side rails and slats $1,750
Armoire Oak, with two multicolored leaded glass doors $2,000
Server/Hutch Oak, top section with multicolored leaded glass door, decorated with carved lion heads and brass rings in mouth $4,100
Oriental Runner Wool, multicolored floral on red field, "sarouk" design $2,700
Screen Folding, three caned rattan panels $225
Oriental Rug Wool, cream field with beige border, light blue florals, "naine" design $700
Oriental Rug Wool, black border, concentric hexagonal center, multicolored wtih reds and blue $4,800
Commode/Chest Of Drawers Black marble top, walnut burl veneer on drawer fronts, four drawers with key opening only $2,500
Armoire Two beveled mirror doors, inlaid brass piping $2,500
Commode/Chest Of Drawers Black marble top, veneered four drawers with brass ring pulls $1,200
Doors Oak, with multicolored leaded glass panels $2,700
Nightstand Oak, with rose colored marble top, one drawer and one drop-front door $500
Nightstand Rose colored marble top, one drawer and one drop-front door, parquet front $650
Hall Tree Oak, with dark stain, carved wtih spindles, beveled mirror $2,400
Beveled Mirror "Queen Anne" style with carved wooden frame, "swan neck" pediment centered by an urn finial $2,200

A special election to fill Cunningham's seat will be held on April 11.

There are 18 candidates running in the 50th district.

According to an exclusive 10News SurveyUSA Poll, no one has overwhelming support.

To find out how the candidates fared in the poll, click here.

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