Dems feeling the Durkee pinch

Big-name politicians aren't the only ones suffering from the Kinde Durkee scandal. Dozens of small Democratic groups throughout Los Angeles are now scrambling to survive after their bank accounts were frozen amid accusations of embezzlement by the Burbank-based campaign treasurer.Dakota Smith in the Daily News.

First California Bank has blocked access to hundreds of accounts handled by Durkee while she is being investigated for allegedly stealing millions from her political clients.

Unable to tap its $6,000 bank account that had been managed by Durkee, the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee can't pay monthly rent on its Camarillo office. Nor can it send out mailers, hold fundraisers or contribute to local politicians.