Despite his desperate attempts to paint Sen. Rick Santorum as a creature of Washington and a professional influence peddler, Gov. Mitt Romney has bragged about his ability to milk funds out of the federal government, and boasts his own close ties to Washington’s most powerful lobbyists.
“Mitt Romney has a bad habit of hypocritically attacking his opponents over issues that boomerang straight back at his campaign,” said American Bridge senior adviser Ty Matsdorf. “If he believes lobbyists are what’s wrong with Washington, why does he court them? If he thinks Fannie and Freddie are evil, why did he invest in them?”
“This is further proof that Mitt Romney will say and do anything to get elected — and then say something else an hour later,” Matsdorf added.
ROMNEY’S LOBBYISTS:
Clare Austin
Alabama Lobbyist Clare Austin Advised Romney’s PAC On Alabama Politics. Romney “has been spending lots of money in Alabama and will soon spend more time in the state. Romney used his Commonwealth PAC to make $143,500 in campaign contributions to Republican candidates and party organizations during this year’s elections, campaign finance reports show. Romney is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech when the State Republican Executive Committee meets Feb. 9 in Montgomery. … Montgomery lobbyist Claire Austin, who is advising Romney’s PAC on the Alabama political landscape, said Alabamians will be seeing a lot of Romney in the future. [Associated Press, 12/7/06]
Austin Barbour
Austin Barbour, A Registered Lobbyist And Nephew Of Haley Barbour, Bundled $210,700 For Romney. According to Open Secrets, “Eight of Romney’s 16 lobbyist-bundlers were disclosed for the first time in Romney’s fourth-quarter filings with the FEC, including Austin Barbour, the nephew of former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who collected $210,700; Joseph C. Wall of Goldman Sachs, who bundled $30,399 for Romney; and Edward Ingle of Microsoft, who raised $30,260.” [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Austin Barbour Was Named A National Finance Chairman For Romney. According to The Sun Herald, “‘I don’t think there’s any question Mississippi’s in play,’ said Austin Barbour, a Jackson lobbying firm owner, nephew of former Gov. Haley Barbour and a national finance chairman for Romney. ‘I have great expectations he will come to Mississippi, and I think the Coast is a big place for Mitt Romney, definitely an area where he can do well.’” [The Sun Herald, 2/25/12]
Henry Barbour
Henry Barbor Registered As A State Level Lobbyist In Mississippi. According to The Boston Globe, “Mississippi records show that Henry and Austin Barbour, sons of Haley’s older brother Jeppie, registered as state lobbyists soon after their uncle was elected in 2003. In January 2004, Henry, who managed the gubernatorial campaign, and Austin joined Capitol Resources LLC in Jackson, which represented such big-name clients as Lorillard Tobacco Co.” [The Boston Globe, 8/19/07]
Henry Barbour Endorsed Romney. According to International Business Times News, “Henry Barbour, the nephew of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour predicts the primary race will be between Romney and Santorum all the way down to the convention. ‘The GOP primary has been filled, so far, with magical ideas that Ronald Reagan is going to comeback and be our nominee,’ he said, according to Politico’s Mike Allen. ‘I think it’s clear that either Gov. Romney or Sen. Santorum is going to be the nominee.’ As a former Perry surrogate now backing Romney, Barbour predicts that the business mogul-turned-politician will be facing Obama in November. But the poll numbers have put the Romney–and Obama–campaigns on the offensive against Santorum.” [International Business Times News, 2/20/12]
David Beightol
Registered Lobbyist David Beightol Bundled $140,375 To Benefit The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, on behalf of Mitt Romney registered lobbyist David Beightol of Dutko Worldwide bundled $54,200 for Romney in the second quarter of 2011, $35,260 in the third quarter, and $50,915 in the fourth quarter, for a total of $140,375 in 2011. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Mitt Romney Named David Beightol To His Wisconsin Finance Committee. Mitt Romney today announced his Wisconsin Finance Committee…. “After three years of failed policies, it is clear we need a change in the White House,” said Scott Beightol. “Mitt Romney is the only candidate with the necessary experience to get Wisconsin and the country on the right track again. Our team in Wisconsin is honored to help him in his efforts.” [Romney press release, 9/28/11]
Wayne L Berman
Romney’s Campaign Includes Wayne L Berman; Berman Is Chairman Of Ogilvy Government Relations. According to The New York Times, “For a candidate running against the entrenched interests of Washington, Mitt Romney keeps an awful lot of lobbyists around. His kitchen cabinet includes some of the most prominent Republican lobbyists in Washington, including Charles R. Black Jr., the chairman of Prime Policy Group and a lobbyist for Walmart and AT&T; Wayne L. Berman, who is chairman of Ogilvy Government Relations and represents Pfizer, the drug manufacturer; and Vin Weber, the managing partner for Clark & Weinstock.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
Wayne Berman Bundled Over $100,000 For Romney. Politico reported that “Of his over $18 million haul, $517,450 came bundled from lobbyists, according to July 15 filings. The money was bundled through six lobbyists with five firms: the Fiorentino Group, Dutko Worldwide, Ogilvy Government Relations, the Rath Group and Barclays. Bundling over $100,000 was Wayne Berman, a top Bush financier and later a top moneyman for Sen. John McCain in 2008.” [Politico, 7/15/11]
Charles Black Jr.
Romney’s Campaign Includes Charles R Black Jr.; Black Was The Chairman Of Prime Policy Group And A Lobbyist For Walmart And AT&T. According to The New York Times, “For a candidate running against the entrenched interests of Washington, Mitt Romney keeps an awful lot of lobbyists around. His kitchen cabinet includes some of the most prominent Republican lobbyists in Washington, including Charles R. Black Jr., the chairman of Prime Policy Group and a lobbyist for Walmart and AT&T; Wayne L. Berman, who is chairman of Ogilvy Government Relations and represents Pfizer, the drug manufacturer; and Vin Weber, the managing partner for Clark & Weinstock.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
January 2012: Romney Added Charlie Black To His Circle Of Informal Advisors. According to The New York Times, “Mitt Romney has added a veteran Washington lobbyist — Charlie Black, a top political aide to Senator John McCain‘s 2008 presidential campaign — to the circle of informal advisers who are trying to help to guide him to the White House.” [The New York Times, 1/2/12]
Tom Boyd
Registered Lobbyist Tom Boyd Bundled $26,350 For The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Tom Boyd of DLA Piper bundled $26,350 in the fourth quarter of 2011, for a total of $26,350 on the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Tom Davis
Tom Davis Endorsed Romney. According to a Romney press release, “Mitt Romney today announced the support of former Virginia Congressman Tom Davis. ‘I’m honored to earn Tom’s support,’ said Mitt Romney. ‘Tom has been a leader in our party for many years and is a tireless advocate of responsibility in government. I look forward to his counsel in the weeks and months to come to help get Virginians back to work and our country back on track.’ ‘In this crucial election, the choice is clear: four more years of misguided economic policies that have made our recovery worse or a proven leader who has a detailed plan to create jobs and shrink the size of government,’ said Congressman Davis. ‘Mitt Romney is a leader who has proved numerous times that he can be counted on to turn troubled organizations around, whether it was in business, the Winter Olympics, or as Governor of Massachusetts. That is why I urge all those who want to fight for the America we love to join me in standing with Mitt.’” [Romney press release, 3/1/12]
Tom Davis Served As The Director Of Federal Government Affairs For Deloitte & Touche LLP, A Lobbying Firm. According to Roll Call, “Norton suggested that former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) might have played some role in bringing the issue to McDonnell’s attention. Davis was an ally of the District when he was chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and he continues to serve as a liaison on D.C. issues. In an interview with Roll Call on Thursday afternoon, Davis, now the director of federal government affairs for Deloitte & Touche LLP, said McDonnell’s interest was sparked by a series of conversations among relevant parties.” [Roll Call, 2/23/12]
Patrick J. Durkin
Patrick J. Durkin Of Barclays, A Registered Lobbyist, Bundled $774,750 For Romney. According to Open Secrets, “Sixteen lobbyists raised nearly $2.2 million to aid the presidential campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in 2011, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of documents filed with the Federal Election Commission. Patrick J. Durkin, Sr., of commercial bank Barclays, alone was responsible for $774,750 of that sum.” [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
T. Martin Fiorentino Jr.
T. Martin Fiorentino Jr, A Registered Lobbyist Working For The Fiorentino Group, Bundled $181,975 For Romney In 2011. According to Open Secrets, on behalf of Mitt Romney registered lobbyist T. Martin Fiorentino, Jr of the Fiorentino Group bundled $102,900 in the second quarter of 2011, $78,575 in the third quarter of 2011, and $500 in the fourth quarter, for a total of $181,975 for the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Mitt Romney Named T. Martin Fiorentino To His Florida Finance Team. According to a Romney press release, “Mitt Romney today announced his Florida Finance Team. ‘I am proud to announce my Florida Finance Team,’ said Mitt Romney. ‘Having the resources to go up against President Obama and his billion dollar campaign will be necessary for success in November 2012. Their hard work will be crucial to my efforts in Florida and across the country.’… State Co-Chairs, T. Martin Fiorentino” [Romney press release, 10/6/11]
Bruce A. Gates
Registered Lobbyist Bruce A Gates Bundled $27,500 For The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Bruce A. Gates of Altria Client Services Inc. bundled $27,500 for the Romney campaign in the fourth quarter of 2011, for a total $27,500 on the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Sam Geduldig
Sam Geduldig Co-Hosted Fundraiser For Romney With Other Lobbyists. According to Politico, “Fresh off a GOP debate, supporters of former Gov. Mitt Romney emailed out a fundraising invite today for later this month. Romney is passing the hat again in Washington at an Oct. 26 breakfast fundraiser with nearly two-dozen members of Congress, including Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Jim Risch of Idaho and Reps. Mary Bono Mack of California, Tim Griffin of Arkansas, Buck McKeon of California and Mike Simpson of Idaho, expected to attend. K Streeters co-hosting the event at the American Trucking Association include Ogilvy Government Relations’s Wayne Berman and Drew Maloney; Clark Lytle Geduldig & Cranford’s Sam Geduldig; Navigators Global’s Phil Anderson; and Fierce Isakowitz & Blalock’s Mark Isakowitz. Jeff Choudhry, Ron Kaufman, Bob Marsh, Greg Maurer, Alex Mistri, David Tamasi and Darren Willcox, are also listed as co-hosts, which are expected to raise $10,000 for the event. Price of attendance is a little cheaper: $500 per person and $1,000 per PAC.” [Politico, 10/12/11]
2003: Allegations Surfaced That Rep Oxley And Two Aides Including Sam Geduling Leaned On The Investment Company Institute, The Mutual-Fund Industry’s Leading Trade Group, To Hire A Republican Lobbyist. According to Bestwire, “Federal campaign finance records show that Oxley increased his legal spending tenfold last year while facing allegations that he and two of his aides leaned on the Investment Company Institute, the mutual-fund industry’s leading trade group, to hire a Republican lobbyist. Campaign finance records show that Oxley’s re-election campaign paid $72,836 to the Washington law firm Bracewell Patterson L.L.P. during 2003. By comparison, he paid another legal firm $7,025 for all of 2001 and 2002, those records show.” [Bestwire, 4/19/04]
Sam Geduling Was Investigated By The House Ethics Committee Over The Accusations. According to Bestwire, “House Democrats had called for an ethics committee investigation when the allegations surfaced in February 2003, but the committee declined and instead began a private, informal fact-finding investigation of Oxley and aides Robert Foster and Sam Geduldig. That action has apparently ended with no further word from the committee, and with no sanctions against either Oxley or his staff. Oxley’s staff could not immediately be reached. In media reports, Oxley has denied any wrongdoing. He has otherwise declined to comment on the matter.” [Bestwire, 4/19/04]
K Street Pawlenty Supporter Sam Geduldig Said He Donated Maximum Amount To Romney. According to Politico, “Top lobbyists who had been on the sidelines, for example, began moving to Mitt. Sam Geduldig, an early K Street Pawlenty backer, said he cut a check maxing out to Romney last week – before the end-of-quarter filing deadline.” [Politico, 10/4/11]
Robert T . Grand
Registered Lobbyist Robert T. Grand Bundled $110,150 To Benefit Romney’s Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Robert T. Grand of Barnes and Thornburg bundled $110,150 for Romney’s campaign in the third quarter of 2011, for a total $110,150 for the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Mark Isakowitz
Mark Isakowitz Co-Hosted Fundraiser For Romney With Other Lobbyists. According to Politico, “Fresh off a GOP debate, supporters of former Gov. Mitt Romney emailed out a fundraising invite today for later this month. Romney is passing the hat again in Washington at an Oct. 26 breakfast fundraiser with nearly two-dozen members of Congress, including Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Jim Risch of Idaho and Reps. Mary Bono Mack of California, Tim Griffin of Arkansas, Buck McKeon of California and Mike Simpson of Idaho, expected to attend. K Streeters co-hosting the event at the American Trucking Association include Ogilvy Government Relations’s Wayne Berman and Drew Maloney; Clark Lytle Geduldig & Cranford’s Sam Geduldig; Navigators Global’s Phil Anderson; and Fierce Isakowitz & Blalock’s Mark Isakowitz. Jeff Choudhry, Ron Kaufman, Bob Marsh, Greg Maurer, Alex Mistri, David Tamasi and Darren Willcox, are also listed as co-hosts, which are expected to raise $10,000 for the event. Price of attendance is a little cheaper: $500 per person and $1,000 per PAC.” [Politico, 10/12/11]
Drew Maloney
Drew Maloney Organized The Romney Campaigns Outreach To Members Of Congress. “Likely Republican presidential candidates Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney are quietly but aggressively wooing Members of Congress for endorsements and political support in campaigns that have yet to officially take flight… Coordinating efforts for Romney is Drew Maloney, CEO of Ogilvy Government Relations and an old Capitol Hill hand. Team Romney expects to receive significant support from many, though not all, of the Members who endorsed his 2008 presidential bid. A key component of Romney’s strategy for maintaining old connections and cultivating new relationships has been to generously donate through his Free and Strong America Political Action Committee.” [Roll Call, 2/11/11]
Registered Lobbyist Drew Malone Bundled $56,750 For The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, Drew K. Maloney of Ogilvy Government Relations bundled $56,750 for Romney’s campaign in the second quarter of 2011, for a total of $56,750 on the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
William Mark Simmons
Registered Lobbyist William Mark Simmons Bundled $134,684 To Benefit Romney’s Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist William Mark Simmons of The Dutko Group bundled $34,000 for Romney in the third quarter of 2011, and $100,684 in the fourth quarter, for a total of $134,684. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
William Hansen
William Hansen, President Of Chartwell Education Group, Led The Education Panel For A ‘Policy Round Table’ Romney Fundraiser. According to The New York Times, “Less than 48 hours later, Mr. Romney’s campaign held an elaborate ‘policy round table’ fund-raiser at a Washington hotel, featuring panel discussions run by lobbyists and former cabinet officials or members of Congress. James Talent, a former senator who runs the lobbying and public affairs firm Mercury Public Affairs, led a panel on infrastructure, according to an invitation. William Hansen, a former deputy secretary of education who is president of the lobbying firm Chartwell Education Group, led the education panel.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
Ralph W. Hardy
Registered Lobbyist Ralph W. Hardy Jr Bundled $19,000 For The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Ralph W. Hardy, Jr. of Dow Lohnes PLLC bundled $19,000 for the Romney campaign in the fourth quarter of 2011, for a total of $19,000 on the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
John M. Hermann II
John M. Hermann II Is Co-Chairman Of Romney’s Trade Policy Group; He Is A Lobbyist For A Major Steel Producer. According to The New York Times, “John M. Herrmann II, a co-chairman of Mr. Romney’s trade policy advisory group, is a lobbyist for Allegheny, a major steel producer whose products have figured in United States trade lawsuits against China. Mr. Romney’s platform calls for a more aggressive posture with China on trade, including more ‘punitive measures to deter unfair Chinese practices.’” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
Edward Ingle
Registered Lobbyist Edward Ingle Of Microsoft Bundled 30,260 To Benefit The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, “Eight of Romney’s 16 lobbyist-bundlers were disclosed for the first time in Romney’s fourth-quarter filings with the FEC, including Austin Barbour, the nephew of former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who collected $210,700; Joseph C. Wall of Goldman Sachs, who bundled $30,399 for Romney; and Edward Ingle of Microsoft, who raised $30,260.” [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Ron Kaufman
The Boston Globe: “One Of Mitt Romney’s Top Advisers Works For A Lobbying Firm That Once Represented Solyndra.” According to The Boston Globe, “One of Mitt Romney’s top advisers works for a lobbying firm that once represented Solyndra, the now-bankrupt solar energy firm that has come under scrutiny for the federal loans it received – and has been criticized by Romney himself. Dutko Worldwide, where Romney adviser Ron Kaufman has been a top employee for more than 15 years, was hired by Solyndra in 2008 to help the company with its loan application and other issues, according to federal lobbying records. Dutko was paid $50,000 that year for its services, a tiny amount of the $20 million the lobbying firm made in 2008. Kaufman’s name is not on the lobbying report, and only one individual from Dutko – Deana Perlmutter – is listed as having acted as a lobbyist for Solyndra.” [The Boston Globe,11/29/2011]
A Former Solyndra Lobbyist Co-Hosted A Romney Fundraiser. According to The Hill, “Mitt Romney is facing scrutiny this week for associating himself with a lobbyist whose firm worked for failed California solar panel company Solyndra. Lobbyist Alex Mistri co-hosted a Romney fundraiser Wednesday that included a number of lobbyists and members of Congress, held at the American Trucking Association near D.C.’s Capitol Hill. Mistri is a managing director of the lobbyist firm Glover Park Group LLC. The firm worked for Solyndra in the weeks leading up to the company’s declared bankruptcy, though the firm was reportedly never paid for their work. Mistri is also a Republican donor and has donated money to Romney’s campaign this year.” [The Hill, 10/27/11]
Marc Racicot
Former Montana Gov Marc Racicot Endorsed Romney; Racicot Worked As A Lobbyist After Leaving The Governorship. According to National Journal, “On Wednesday, Mitt Romney’s campaign touted the endorsement of former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot, who, Romney said ‘has spent so much time in the service of this country’ as an Army officer, prosecutor and governor. What the campaign failed to mention is that after leaving the governor’s mansion, Racicot worked as a registered lobbyist and later earned millions as the president of the American Insurance Association — an even more explicit brand of ‘influence peddling’ than the kind Romney attackedNewt Gingrich for earlier this year.” [National Journal, 2/29/12]
Stephen Rademaker
Stephen Rademaker, Who Lobbies For General Dynamics, Has Close Ties To The Romney Campaign. According to The New York Times, “Other lobbyists serve on one of Mr. Romney’s policy advisory teams, have hosted fund-raisers for his campaign or have joined the many influential Republicans whose endorsements Mr. Romney’s campaign has hailed. Among them are David Wilkins, a former United States ambassador to Canada who lobbies for the Canadian oil industry, and Stephen Rademaker, a former State Department official who lobbies for the defense contractor General Dynamics.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
Romney Named Stephen Rademaker To His Counter-Proliferation Workgroup As A Co-Chair. According to a Romney press release, “Mitt Romney announced today his Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team. This group draws on a wide array of experience to advise Governor Romney on foreign policy strategy, defense issues, intelligence matters, counterterrorism, and regional policy. These advisers will assist Governor Romney as he presents his vision for restoring American leadership in the world and securing our enduring interests and ideals abroad. ‘America and our allies are facing a series of complex threats. To shape them before they explode into conflict, our foreign policy will have to be guided by a strategy of American strength,’ Governor Romney said. ‘I am deeply honored to have the counsel of this extraordinary group of diplomats, experts, and statesmen. Their remarkable experience, wisdom, and depth of knowledge will be critical to ensuring that the 21st century is another American Century.’ Special Advisers and Co-Chairs of regional and functional working groups are listed below. Titles and affiliations are for identification purposes only. .. Counter-Proliveration- Stephen Rademaker, Co-Chair” [Romney press release, 10/6/11]
Judi A. Rhines
Registered Lobbyist Judi A. Rhines Of The Rath Group Bundled $68,850 To Benefit The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Judi A. Rhines of The Rath Group bundled $34,200 on behalf of the Romney campaign in the second quarter of 2011 and $34,650 in the third quarter, for a total of $68,850 on the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Ignacio E. Sanchez
Registered Lobbyist Ignacio E. Sanchez Bundled $86,700 To Benefit Romney’s Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist Ignacio E. Sanchez of DLA Piper Raised $2,500 on Romney’s behalf in the third quarter of 2011, and $84,200 in the fourth quarter, for a total $86,700 for the year. [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
Andrew Siff
Andrew Siff, A Lobbyist For Koch Industries Was Named A Host For A Romney Fundraiser And Then Taken Off Invitation. The Huffington Post reported that sent out an invitation to hold a fundraiser at the Patton and Boggs law firm titled, ‘Lawyers For Romney.’ The article said “Perhaps the most noteworthy lobbyist originally slated to attend the Romney event is an individual who was forced to back out at the last minute. Andrew Siff, of the firm Siff & Associates, was listed as a host on one of the first invitations to be sent out by the Romney campaign. Siff’s political significance is owed to the fact that he lobbies for Koch Industries, the private energy conglomerate that has become a Democratic bogeyman for its willingness to bankroll conservative causes.” [The Huffington Post, 7/26/11 ]
James Talent
James Talent, Who Runs Mercury Public Affairs, Led A Panel On Infrastructure For A ‘Policy Round Table’ Romney Fundraiser. According to The New York Times, “Less than 48 hours later, Mr. Romney’s campaign held an elaborate ‘policy round table’ fund-raiser at a Washington hotel, featuring panel discussions run by lobbyists and former cabinet officials or members of Congress. James Talent, a former senator who runs the lobbying and public affairs firm Mercury Public Affairs, led a panel on infrastructure, according to an invitation. William Hansen, a former deputy secretary of education who is president of the lobbying firm Chartwell Education Group, led the education panel.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
Mitt Romney’s Adviser Former Senator Jim Talent Co-Chaired A Lobbying Firm, But Was Not Registered As A Lobbyist. Salon reported “One of Mitt Romney’s top advisers is the co-chairman of a powerful Washington lobbying firm but the identities of the corporate clients he works for are shrouded in mystery. Former Sen. Jim Talent of Missouri has been acting as a Romney surrogate and adviser for months while also working at Mercury Public Affairs, a self-described “high-stakes public strategy firm” staffed by former members of Congress and Capitol Hill aides. Mercury’s website says that “lobbying” is among the five “actions” offered by Talent in areas ranging from finance and tax policy to defense and health-care. But he has not registered as a lobbyist and thus avoids legal disclosure requirements about who he works for.” [Salon, 8/30/11; Senator Jim Talent Profile On Mercury’s Website]
Romney Named Jim Talent To His Foreign Policy And National Security Advisory Team. According to a Romney press release, “Mitt Romney announced today his Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team. This group draws on a wide array of experience to advise Governor Romney on foreign policy strategy, defense issues, intelligence matters, counterterrorism, and regional policy. These advisers will assist Governor Romney as he presents his vision for restoring American leadership in the world and securing our enduring interests and ideals abroad. ‘America and our allies are facing a series of complex threats. To shape them before they explode into conflict, our foreign policy will have to be guided by a strategy of American strength,’ Governor Romney said. ‘I am deeply honored to have the counsel of this extraordinary group of diplomats, experts, and statesmen. Their remarkable experience, wisdom, and depth of knowledge will be critical to ensuring that the 21st century is another American Century.’ Special Advisers and Co-Chairs of regional and functional working groups are listed below. Titles and affiliations are for identification purposes only. .. Special advisors: Jim Talent” [Romney press release, 10/6/11]
David Tamasi
Registered Lobbyist David Tamasi Bundled $16,910 For The Romney Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, registered lobbyist David Tamasi of Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communication bundled $16,910 for the Romney campaign in the fourth quarter of 2011, for a total of $16,910 on the year.
Vin Weber
Vin Weber, An Advisor For Mitt Romney, Consulted For Sallie Mae And FedBid. The Washington Examiner reported “Other Weber clients include student lender Sallie Mae, which profited off the raft of subsidies Washington gave as student loans (until the 2009 health-care bill effectively nationalized the industry), and FedBid, whose only customers are government agencies. Romney talks about cutting spending, but Weber has big clients that rely on government spending. It’s a clear conflict of interest.” [The Washington Examiner, 8/24/11]
Romney Adviser Vin Weber Said Advisers “Bend Over Backward To Separate” Lobbyist And Adviser Roles. The Washington Examiner reported, “Romney talks about cutting spending, but Weber has big clients that rely on government spending. It’s a clear conflict of interest. Weber, though, thinks lobbyist-advisers ‘bend over backward to separate’ their different roles, and not wear their lobbyist hats into campaign meetings…a candidate would pick up on it pretty quickly, he argues, if an adviser’s advice seemed compromised. For his part, Weber says he’ll be helping Romney with ‘macroeconomic policy and foreign policy,’ and he’ll recuse himself if he’s conflicted.” Weber said, “If I were to go in there and try to push a client’s agenda, that would be over the line.” [The Washington Examiner, 8/24/11]
Romney Named Vin Weber A Special Adviser On Policy. According to Romney press release, “Romney today announced that former Minnesota Congressman Vin Weber will serve as Special Adviser on Policy. In that capacity, he will be a senior member of Governor Romney’s policy team and will provide advice on foreign and economic policy. ‘I am proud to have Vin’s support,’ said Mitt Romney. ‘Vin will be a trusted adviser and I look forward to working with him to help get our country moving in the right direction again.’ Announcing his support, Vin Weber said, ‘It is an honor to again work with Mitt Romney. At such a critical time in our nation’s history, it is important that we have someone with his background to lead the country. After three years of failed policies, Mitt Romney’s record of leadership is what we need to strengthen the country both at home and abroad.’” [Romney press release, 2/21/11]
Joseph C Wall
Registered Lobbyist Joseph C Wall Of Goldman Sachs Bundled $30,399 For Romney’s Campaign In 2011. According to Open Secrets, “Eight of Romney’s 16 lobbyist-bundlers were disclosed for the first time in Romney’s fourth-quarter filings with the FEC, including Austin Barbour, the nephew of former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who collected $210,700; Joseph C. Wall of Goldman Sachs, who bundled $30,399 for Romney; and Edward Ingle of Microsoft, who raised $30,260.” [Open Secrets, 1/31/12]
David Wilkins
David Wilkins, Who Lobbies For The Canadian Oil Industry, Has Close Ties To Romney’s Campaign. According to The New York Times, “Other lobbyists serve on one of Mr. Romney’s policy advisory teams, have hosted fund-raisers for his campaign or have joined the many influential Republicans whose endorsements Mr. Romney’s campaign has hailed. Among them are David Wilkins, a former United States ambassador to Canada who lobbies for the Canadian oil industry, and Stephen Rademaker, a former State Department official who lobbies for the defense contractor General Dynamics.” [The New York Times, 2/12/12]
January 2012: Romney’s Campaign Announced That David Wilkins Had Endorsed Romney For President. According to a Romney press release, “Mitt Romney today announced the support of former United States Ambassador to Canada and South Carolina Speaker of the House David Wilkins. Ambassador Wilkins previously had supported Governor Rick Perry’s campaign. ‘I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of Ambassador Wilkins,’ said Mitt Romney. ‘This important show of support demonstrates that my message of a ‘Simpler, Smaller, and Smarter’ federal government is resonating with South Carolina leaders and voters.’ Announcing his support, Ambassador Wilkins said, ‘Americans want a candidate they can believe in; one who can defeat President Obama and get our country back to work. Mitt Romney is that man. Governor Romney would never turn his back on 20,000 new jobs and our energy security as the President has done with the Keystone XL pipeline project. Mitt Romney has a real plan for restoring our economy and our place in the world as freedom’s best friend and most steadfast defender.’” [Romney press release, 1/19/12]
Published: Mar 2, 2012