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Obama waives Ethics rules for secretary of Defense

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
The Obama administration has waived its ethics rules to allow William Lynn to serve as the deputy secretary of Defense.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said he supports Lynn's nomination and looks “forward to prompt consideration by the Senate.”

However, Levin cautioned that his panel will insist and ensure that Lynn, a Raytheon executive and former lobbyist, will comply with a strict set of ethics rules. He said this would include a requirement to recuse himself for a year from any decisions involving Raytheon, a large defense contractor.

He can participate in decisions regarding Raytheon only if "specifically authorized to participate by an appropriate ethics official," Levin said in a statement on Friday.

"The decision of the Administration to impose an additional set of requirements, and then waive them for this nominee, does not change the standards to which we hold all nominees," Levin said.

Several Washington watchdog groups have ratcheted up pressure on Levin and Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the panel’s ranking Republican, to not confirm Lynn because of Obama’s ethics rules.

In a letter dated Friday to Levin and McCain the groups stressed that Lynn cannot serve “effectively” as the Pentagon’s No. 2 because he was a lobbyist for Raytheon in the last two years. They also said they would oppose a waiver, which they declared would violate Obama’s new “revolving door” rules.

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Government Accountability Project (GAP) and Public Citizen signed the letter.

Lynn was a registered lobbyist until early 2008 and his nomination raised some eyebrows even before the executive order on ethics that Obama issued Wednesday, because it contradicted the new president’s pledge not to let lobbyists in his administration.

According to Raytheon’s lobbying disclosure forms, Lynn was part of a team that lobbied on a wide range of defense-related issues, including force protection, electronics, intelligence and missile defense.

It would be difficult for Lynn, if he is confirmed, to avoid involvement in issues regarding his former company and the programs in which it is participating because Raytheon is one of the largest defense contractors, with contracts in many major weapons programs.

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), a defense authorizer and Obama surrogate during the presidential campaign, was the only one who raised the lobbying issue during Lynn’s confirmation hearing last week. McCaskill said she was concerned about revolving-door issues between the Pentagon and defense industry.

But McCaskill on Thursday said that she would support Lynn’s confirmation. The senator said she’d support waiving the new rules for Lynn, but added that she first wanted to make sure that Lynn will take on the role of a reformer of the Pentagon.

“Mr. Lynn never showed anything in his career that would indicate he is not a man of the utmost integrity,” McCaskill told reporters Thursday. “He is giving up big money to come back to public service.”

Lynn was the Pentagon comptroller during the Clinton administration. He also worked for Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).

This story was updated at 5:09 p.m.
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
The move immediately drew criticism from Sen. John McCain, the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee. "I am disappointed in President Obama's decision to waive the 'revolving door' provisions of the executive order for Mr. Bill Lynn," he said in a written statement. "While I applaud the President's action to implement new, more stringent ethical rules, I had hoped he would not find it necessary to waive them so soon."

ourcorruption.jpg
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Seems to me that we've had a couple of posts from our resident libs accusing Bush of lobbyist ties. I wonder what their comments will be..... :roll:

What good is installing an ethics rule if you violate it at will?
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Sandhusker said:
Seems to me that we've had a couple of posts from our resident libs accusing Bush of lobbyist ties. I wonder what their comments will be..... :roll:

You want to see again how many McCain had on his staff- that were still working drawing lobbiest money... :???: Like his Treasury Secretary pick, Foreclosure Phil Gramm, who was the lobbyiest/US rep for the bank that has been found guilty of aiding US citizens hide US assets in foreign banks to avoid taxes-- or his pick to run the Repub convention who was working/lobbying for the communist junta in Burma- that was practicing genocide on the citizens...

http://www.mccainslobbyists.com/

http://www.newsweek.com/id/136321
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
Sandhusker said:
Seems to me that we've had a couple of posts from our resident libs accusing Bush of lobbyist ties. I wonder what their comments will be..... :roll:

You want to see again how many McCain had on his staff- that were still working drawing lobbiest money... :???: Like his Treasury Secretary pick, Foreclosure Phil Gramm, who was the lobbyiest/US rep for the bank that has been found guilty of aiding US citizens hide US assets in foreign banks to avoid taxes-- or his pick to run the Repub convention who was working/lobbying for the communist junta in Burma- that was practicing genocide on the citizens...

http://www.mccainslobbyists.com/

http://www.newsweek.com/id/136321

Stay on topic, OT. The topic is Obama going against his word and installing lobbyists in his government.

Subtopic is you giving Obama a pass for the exact same thing you blasted Bush for.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Sandhusker said:
Oldtimer said:
Sandhusker said:
Seems to me that we've had a couple of posts from our resident libs accusing Bush of lobbyist ties. I wonder what their comments will be..... :roll:

You want to see again how many McCain had on his staff- that were still working drawing lobbiest money... :???: Like his Treasury Secretary pick, Foreclosure Phil Gramm, who was the lobbyiest/US rep for the bank that has been found guilty of aiding US citizens hide US assets in foreign banks to avoid taxes-- or his pick to run the Repub convention who was working/lobbying for the communist junta in Burma- that was practicing genocide on the citizens...

http://www.mccainslobbyists.com/

http://www.newsweek.com/id/136321

Stay on topic, OT. The topic is Obama going against his word and installing lobbyists in his government.

Subtopic is you giving Obama a pass for the exact same thing you blasted Bush for.

Comparing it to what we've had in the past- and what McCain promised to give us- this having one or two former lobbyiests on the staff is like a walk in a park of fresh air....
I wish he could have kept them all out-and hope he backs up his rules to not allow any of his White House to go back to work for a lobbyiest while he is in office-- but its better than the 70+ fulltime lobbyiests McCain had working for him and who he had suggested packing along into the White House with him....
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
So once again, we're back to the liberal excusing unacceptable behavior on the basis that somebody else did it. We're really making progress, making some good "change".

So, for future reference, how many times does Obama have to go back on his word before it's a bad thing?
 

leanin' H

Well-known member
Someday it sure will be nice when RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is racism still wrong if it's against caucasians? Is breaking tax laws wrong unless you're a Treasury Sec.? Is putting in ethics regulation and then suspending them "Just this once" Right? Please tell me how this isnt just politics as usual? And we are on day 3 of this adminastration! Glad i didnt vote for em'! :wink:
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Big Muddy rancher said:
What a lawman.

"Well somebody else would of broke the law so I guess it's OK if he does." :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

I can see where Haymaker came up with his name for you.... :roll: :wink: :lol: :p

Its not against the Law....I wish it was...If you've read any of my posts I think it should be outlawed that you can't have worked for a lobbyiest for 5 years prior to taking any government position, or for 5 years after leaving a government position--but with lobbyiests having control over D.C. its impossible to get a law thru like that....Half of them are old voted out Congressmen and Senators....

Like I said- I wish Obama wouldn't have done it in this instance- and wouldn't have issued a waiver-----BUT if you put it into perspective of Past Presidents and what McCains plans were-- we've just took giant leaps forward toward getting the practice slowed and hopefully stopped....
 

Big Muddy rancher

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
Big Muddy rancher said:
What a lawman.

"Well somebody else would of broke the law so I guess it's OK if he does." :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

I can see where Haymaker came up with his name for you.... :roll: :wink: :lol: :p

Its not against the Law....I wish it was...If you've read any of my posts I think it should be outlawed that you can't have worked for a lobbyiest for 5 years prior to taking any government position, or for 5 years after leaving a government position--but with lobbyiests having control over D.C. its impossible to get a law thru like that....Half of them are old voted out Congressmen and Senators....

Like I said- I wish Obama wouldn't have done it in this instance- and wouldn't have issued a waiver-----BUT if you put it into perspective of Past Presidents and what McCains plans were-- we've just took giant leaps forward toward getting the practice slowed and hopefully stopped....


HE did say he wouldn't use lobbyists then broke his own orders. :roll:
 

badaxemoo

Well-known member
Definitely a mistake to appoint a lobbyist and Raytheon executive.

It isn't Obama's first decision I disagree with and it won't be my last, but I'll continue to support him.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Big Muddy rancher said:
Oldtimer said:
Big Muddy rancher said:
What a lawman.

"Well somebody else would of broke the law so I guess it's OK if he does." :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

I can see where Haymaker came up with his name for you.... :roll: :wink: :lol: :p

Its not against the Law....I wish it was...If you've read any of my posts I think it should be outlawed that you can't have worked for a lobbyiest for 5 years prior to taking any government position, or for 5 years after leaving a government position--but with lobbyiests having control over D.C. its impossible to get a law thru like that....Half of them are old voted out Congressmen and Senators....

Like I said- I wish Obama wouldn't have done it in this instance- and wouldn't have issued a waiver-----BUT if you put it into perspective of Past Presidents and what McCains plans were-- we've just took giant leaps forward toward getting the practice slowed and hopefully stopped....


HE did say he wouldn't use lobbyists then broke his own orders. :roll:

Thats whats nice about being the top man- if you set the policy- you can just as easily reset it....
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
Obama Sought More Than $3.4 Million In Earmarks For Clients Of Lobbyist Hunter Biden. "Sen. Barack Obama sought more than $3.4 million in congressional earmarks for clients of the lobbyist son of his Democratic running mate, Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, records show. Obama succeeded in getting $192,000 for one of the clients, St. Xavier University in suburban Chicago." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

* Hunter Biden Approached The Vice President Of St. Xavier University Offering To Secure Earmarks. "One of those clients was St. Xavier University, a four-year, 5,600-student institution run by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy in Orland Park, Ill. Steve Murphy, vice president for university advancement, said Hunter Biden approached him in 2005 offering to secure congressional earmarks." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

* Hunter Biden Advertised Himself As Being Able To Identify Earmarks. "Hunter Biden and his colleague, Eric Schwerin, told Murphy they were 'working with a number of clients, institutions like yours, and we would like to help you identify earmarks, federal support and grants.'" (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

Biden Lobbied Obama's Office For Earmarks. "[Steve Murphy, vice president for university advancement] said he found Biden's parentage a selling point. Murphy then accompanied Biden to the offices of the Illinois delegation, including Obama's." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

In Both 2006 And 2007, Obama Requested Earmarks For Clients Of Hunter Biden. "Obama requested $1.4 million for St. Xavier, including $900,000 to establish an early-childhood teacher training center 'to meet the demand in the southwest Chicago metropolitan area,' according to a news release on the Web site of Obama's Senate office. Obama requested the early-childhood money in both 2006 and 2007." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

* "Obama Also In June 2007 Sought $500,000 For A Skills Laboratory For St. Xavier's Nursing School, Which Has One Of The Largest Nursing Programs In The State." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

* "In The End, Obama's $1.4 Million In Requests Resulted In $192,000 For The Nursing Facility." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)

"Since Obama Announced His Selection Of Biden On Saturday, Attention Has Focused On [Joe] Biden's Lobbying Connections As Well As His Son's Lobbying Activities." (James V. Grimaldi and Kimberly Kindy, "Obama, Biden's Son Linked By Earmarks," The Washington Post, 8/27/08)
 

Tam

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
Big Muddy rancher said:
Oldtimer said:
I can see where Haymaker came up with his name for you.... :roll: :wink: :lol: :p

Its not against the Law....I wish it was...If you've read any of my posts I think it should be outlawed that you can't have worked for a lobbyiest for 5 years prior to taking any government position, or for 5 years after leaving a government position--but with lobbyiests having control over D.C. its impossible to get a law thru like that....Half of them are old voted out Congressmen and Senators....

Like I said- I wish Obama wouldn't have done it in this instance- and wouldn't have issued a waiver-----BUT if you put it into perspective of Past Presidents and what McCains plans were-- we've just took giant leaps forward toward getting the practice slowed and hopefully stopped....


HE did say he wouldn't use lobbyists then broke his own orders. :roll:

Thats whats nice about being the top man- if you set the policy- you can just as easily reset it....

Now that is the CHANGE the great one was talking about. He can Change his mind when ever he sees fit and the US voters are going to have to learn to just live with it. :roll:
 
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Anonymous

Guest
This is the type of revolving door I think should be outlawed....

Norm Coleman Gets a Job
Former senator Norm Coleman has been hired as a consultant by the Republican Jewish Coalition. The group lobbies Republicans in Congress on Israel and other Jewish causes. Coleman said that he still expects to win his court case and get his Senate job back, but meanwhile he needs to earn a living. That may be true, but it sends a peculiar signal to his supporters about his expectation of winning his court case.
 
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