It's my understanding that engine is rated for the 2,000 hr TBO. If the mechanics' reputation holds true he would not have signed off on an  unairworthy engine.

Being past TBO in part 91 is not at all an airworthy related issue. It is merely a manufacture's recommendation. Many a birds are flying well past TBO that are "airworthy".

Verify your 470-U model TBO...not all U models are 2000 stock, only some of them.

Smart move on his part on requesting a bench trial vs a jury trial since it is case on technicalities but prosecuted on emotion. You will likely see the remaining defendants follow suit.

Then why take the risk?  Does it pay well enough to offset the high chance of delayed payments, or even default?

There are MANY vendors that will steer clear of politics for that very reason.

I certainly can be worth the risk if you wind up on a winning campaign or even in the top two of many races, but you have to put in the ground work early on to build those relationship and that is where the highest risk lies. 

In the Presidential Election this year, both campaigns are projected to spend a BILLION dollars each. Politics is recession proof because it is the one area in America where individuals can still buy influence and access to power.

Learned a little tidbit today from an old political operative...one of the driving decisions behind Cruz announcing Carly then bailing was for a money haul. Part of the Cruz/Fiorina partnership was that Cruz assumed the debt of Carly's failed 2010 California senate race who was still in the red and lots of debts unpaid. By making the announcement they were able to do a final fundraising push to wipe out her debt as well as a final last hoorah fundraising call to leave the Cruz campaign from ending in the red as he wanted to get reelected to his senate seat even though he knew it was the end of the road for the national ticket.

Walker camping however is still $1 million in the hole owed to vendors.

Not read on Drudge report...but rather from an insider that got paid off by Caryl's 2010 campaign just last week and know both parties very well.

Money makes the world go round and people get played!