Opposition lawmaker Hisayasu Nagata dropped a political bombshell Thursday in the Diet, claiming Livedoor Co. founder Takafumi Horie sent an internal e-mail before the Sept. 11 election directing his staff to pay 30 million yen to the son of Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Tsutomu Takebe.
Takebe earnestly backed Horie during his run for the Diet, calling him "my brother, my son" while stumping for him.
The accusation, made at a House of Representatives Budget Committee session, indicates Horie, a now arrested Internet entrepreneur whose business exploits had elevated him to rock star status, may have bought political support from Takebe.