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FRIDAY FLASHBACK Bloomberg: Blunt, Boehner Share Broad Network of Lobbyist Ties With DeLay
For Immediate Release: February 26, 2010 Contact: Ryan Hobart (573) 636-5241 Ext. 125 FRIDAY FLASHBACK Jefferson City, Mo. – In January of 2006, Bloomberg published a story detailing the many connections both Congressman Roy Blunt and Congressman John Boehner have with lobbyists, many of which stem from their time assisting disgraced former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, including lobbyist felon Jack Abramoff. Here are some excerpts from the article: “Representatives Roy Blunt of Missouri and John Boehner of Ohio have been among the key intermediaries between Republican lawmakers and lobbyists since their party took control of the U.S. Congress in 1995.” “Both men's political action committees employ Jim Ellis, who was indicted along with DeLay. DeLay's PAC gave Blunt's committee a $150,000 donation in 2000, and Blunt's PAC gave $10,000 to DeLay's non-profit foundation that same year. Both lawmakers' PACs have employed Alexander Strategy Group, a Georgetown-based firm whose partners include former Abramoff and DeLay associates.” “Blunt also has served as the Republicans' official liaison to K Street. In one meeting at the Capitol last April, he rounded up some 200 lobbyists to talk with top Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, about the party's agenda.” “Beginning in 1999, DeLay tapped Blunt to harness Washington's lobbyist community into a force that could help win votes on issues ranging from a $1.3 trillion tax cut to a $720 billion Medicare prescription drug benefit.” “Blunt was DeLay's ambassador to the community, said Gregg Hartley, Blunt's former chief of staff and now vice chairman of Cassidy & Associates, Washington's second-biggest lobbying firm by revenue.” “Blunt's name has come up in connection with the Abramoff investigation. In May 2003, he wrote a letter to Interior Secretary Gale Norton opposing a casino for an Indian tribe that would have rivaled one operated by an Abramoff client. A month later, Blunt signed a similar letter along with DeLay, House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor. Blunt said on Jan. 4 he would donate to charity $8,500 he received from Abramoff.” (Bloomberg, 1/10/06) Congressman Blunt has drawn eight opponents so far in the Missouri primary for U.S. Senate. To learn more about Congressman Blunt's connections to Jack Abramoff visit www.bluntandabramoff.com. --30-- Bloomberg:
Blunt, Boehner Share Broad Network of Lobbyist Ties With DeLay
