Magliocchetti in Middle of Earmark Scandal

Those who know him say Paul Magliocchetti cracked the code of the defense earmark: understand the system so well the people in charge turn to you for clarity.

Described as bright, blunt and ambitious, Mr. Magliocchetti left a post as a staff member for the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee more than 20 years ago and set up shop as PMA Group, which became the premier lobbyist for defense firms seeking billions in federal dollars. Last year alone, PMA’s clients paid the firm $13.5 million to help them secure hundreds of millions in federal contracts.

“He was a guy who knew how to put the pieces together,” says one congressman, a close friend who spoke only on condition of anonymity, worried at the consequences of being tied publicly to a man now at the center of the newest lobbying scandal.

Read more: (Dennis B. Roddy, “Ex-Pittsburgher in Middle of Earmark Scandal,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/05/09)