Santa-Monica-based Goldline International is already under investigation by the L.A. County District Attorney and the Santa Monica City Attorney for allegedly not delivering what it promises to customers, while also pushing them to buy overpriced gold coins instead of pure gold bullion. If you're one of the many, many Informer readers who are also fans of Glenn Beck, then you know Goldline as the company that has advertised heavily with Beck, even as Beck crudely argues for the wisdom of buying gold, and gold coins especially because, as is commonly known, the Kenyan socialist in the White House is dead set on seizing your cold coins. (Unfortunately, we have to step on our line and tell you we're joking.)

Next week, Goldline will face congressional hearings on their business practices. In advance of the hearing, they're fighting back.

Intrepid Politico reporter Ken Vogel reports they've hired a K Street lobbying firm and Washington P.R. shop that once worked for Big Tobacco. A counterattack is coming, Vogel reports:

The offensive will present the company, which according to the Los Angeles Times is on track to hit $1 billion in revenue within the next year, as an honorable small business standing up against an overreaching and anti-free-enterprise government.

Rep. Anthony Weiner is at the center of the controversy. He published a report in May alleging what amounted to consumer fraud by Goldline.

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