Democrat Dirty Laundry: Space Breaks Pledge, Lines Coffers With Lobbyists’ Money
After Bashing Lobbyists on the Campaign Trail for Years, Space is Caught Red-Handed
SPIN CYCLE: Pelosi Once Promised to ‘Drain the Swamp’ and Run the “Most Honest and Open Congress in History”
“‘Drain the swamp’ means to turn this Congress into the most honest and open Congress in history. That’s my pledge — that is what I intend to do,’ Pelosi stated in an interview with NBC’s Brian Williams.” (Brian Williams, “Rep. Pelosi poised to make history”, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, 11/08/06)
RINSE CYLCE: After Lining His Coffers With Lobbyists’ Money for Years, Space Finally Gets Caught
Dover Democratic Rep. Zack Space pledged not to accept campaign money from lobbyists when first sought the congressional seat vacated former GOP Rep. Bob Ney, who went to prison after improperly accepting perks from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Making good on that pledge hasn’t been a simple matter for Space.
After experiencing lapses as early as 2007, Federal Election Commission records show Space has subsequently accepted money from several lobbyists, including John Breaux, Jr., son of a former Democratic U.S. Senator from Louisiana, who gave Space $250 this April. Lobbying registration records show the younger Breaux – who partnered in a lobbying firm with his father and former Senate GOP Leader Trent Lott – is currently registered as a lobbyist for Citigroup, AT&T, and Goldman Sachs, among other clients.
Records also indicate Space also took $250 from railroad lobbyist Ray Chambers this March. Lobbying registration records show his clients include Railcet, the R.J. Corman Railroad Group, and Desertxpress.
In September, 2008, Space’s campaign got a $500 donation from Daniel C. Tate, Jr. of Capitol Solutions, where he was listed as a lobbyist for Comcast, Verizon Wireless, and Honda North America during that time period.
In July 2008, Space’s campaign accepted $250 from Thomas James, a registered lobbyist with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association. (Sabrina Eaton, “Lobbyist Donations Slip Into Rep. Zack Space’s Campaign Coffers, Despite Pledge,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/23/2010)
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