Duke Cunningham, a former U.S. Congressman from California known for his military service and political career, passed away at the age of 83. He was a Republican who served in the House of Representatives for 15 years before resigning in 2005 following a bribery scandal and subsequent conviction.
Cunningham, a war hero, was first elected to the House in 1990. His political career came to an end in 2005 when he pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy to commit bribery. This led to his resignation from Congress, marking the end of his 15-year tenure.
The scandal, which involved allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, was a significant blow to his career. Cunningham’s conviction highlighted the ongoing challenges of political corruption in the United States. His death brings to a close the life of a once-prominent political figure who was ultimately undone by his own actions.