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Don Young: No stranger to controversy

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), under fire Friday for describing Hispanic migrant workers as “wetbacks,” is no stranger to controversy. The combative House veteran has been a frequent target of ethics watchdogs and has made his share of enemies. Don Young has a history of political trouble. (Dan Joling/AP) Here’s a timeline of Young’s brushes with infamy. 1994: During a congressional hearing, while arguing with then-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Mollie Beattie, Young brandished an 18-inch-long walrus penis bone and pounded it into his hand for emphasis. 2005: Young was publicly shamed for backing a “Bridge to Nowhere” — a project made famous by then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin in the 2008 election. When pressured to forego those funds so they could be directed towards Hurricane Katrina relief, he said, ”They can kiss my ear. 2007: The Wall Street Journal reported that Young was under federal investigation for his ties to the oil and construction company VECO. It was the same yea