Former federal prosecutor Ed Stier was hired by Hoffa in 1999 to direct the Project Rise anti-corruption task force. But when Stier's inquiries into corruption and organized crime influence got too close to Hoffa's top ally in Chicago, John Coli, Hoffa shut down the investigation. Stier resigned in disgust, saying when it comes to rooting out corruption, "The problem is Hoffa."

CHECK THE FACTS: April 21, 2004 resignation letter of Edwin Stier. Also see "Teamster Crime Watchdog Quits; Hints Union is Corrupt", Oakland Press, May 1 2004.