This is shady, even for me and I’m an avid Obama-supporter.

Turns out, Obama’s mortgage loan is getting questioned amid rumors that Senators got favorable treatment from mortgage lenders.  Countrywide had a policy in play where they would hook up certain “buddies” of big wigs.  Obama’s mortage company, Northern Trust, gave him a better than average interest rate on a huge loan and some are saying it’s because he’s black a politician.

Why is this important?

The Washington Post explains:

«Driving the recent debate is concern that public officials, knowingly or unknowingly, may receive special treatment from lenders and that the discounts could constitute gifts that are prohibited by law.»

It’s also mighty hard to be able to pass mortgage crisis legislation when you are getting accused of accepting a kick back from a lender.

Lucky for McCain he married a cash cow so he doesn’t have a mortage on any of his homes.  With ethics being a huge topic of debat this election look for this topic to be discussed again.

Obama’s house deals are getting him in trouble. Unless he broke a law outright, I’m not going to be too upset by him trying to get a good deal, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

Full (and thorough) WaPo article HERE.  Analysis from Andrew Sullivan (defending Obama) HERE.