Latest Twist in EBJ Scholarship Scandal Called “A Clear Example of Cronyism” — Even Her Own Lawyer is Now “Uncomfortable”

Troubles involving Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson’s scholarship awards spread Tuesday to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where the head of minority contracting has been put on leave amid questions about college aid that Johnson gave his daughter.

Johnson, through a trust, owns a 25 percent stake in two Hudson News stores at D/FW. In 2007, she awarded $1,000 to the daughter of airport vice president Don O’Bannon, who oversees contracts with minority-owned businesses, including hers.

An ethics watchdog called the scholarship to O’Bannon’s daughter, now a senior at Dartmouth College, a clear example of cronyism. Also, the attorney for Johnson’s trust said the award makes him uncomfortable.

Read more: (Todd J. Gillman and Rudolph Bush, “D/FW Airport Official Put on Leave After Daughter Got Scholarship from Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson,” The Dallas Morning News, 10/13/2010)