CongressionalBadBoys.com | home | Joseph McDade Joseph McDade Republican, Pennsylvania (1963-1998) The Honorable Joseph McDade was the subject of an eight-year (!) Justice Department probe of allegations that he accepted nearly $100,000 of illegal contributions, gifts, and golfing trips from defense contactors and lobbyist friends.  McDade, long-time Republican congressman, was indicted in 1992 on charges that he accepted these gifts between 1983 and 1988 from defense contractors and lobbyists who wanted his support on $68 million worth of defense contracts. among the gifts were cash, contributions, trips to Florida and Jamaica, a college scholarship for his son, and other gratuities. McDade and his lawyers acknowledged that he received many gifts and contributions, but said the prosecutors exaggerated their value.  He denied there was any criminal intent involved.  A federal jury believed him.  In 1996, McDade was acquitted of the bribery and racketeering charges brought against him.  Sources:  Eric Pianin, "Rep. McDade Acquitted of Bribery, Racketeering Charges," Washington Post, Aug. 2, 1996, A15;  Eric Pianin, "McDade Under Fire Despite Acquittal,"  Washington Post, oct. 10, 1996, A31.