Erik Prince, Blackwater
Scandal: Involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan
Best quote from the testimony: "Blackwater appears to have fostered a culture of shoot first ... and then ask the questions." — Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings of Maryland
When Blackwater CEO Erik Prince appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Oct. 2, 2007, Congressmen were split over how to handle the proceedings. Democrats were eager to attack the head of the Blackwater security firm, which they alleged was a modern-day mercenary group, but many Republicans skirted the issue because Prince's family was a major GOP contributor. Despite the split, the committee blasted him with accusations that he operated a cowboy unit with lax standards for drug and alcohol use and little regard for Iraqi life. Prince had an answer for every question, though, and the company (later renamed Xe) continues to operate today.