Payment to Lewis staffer studied(linked toCunningham/Lewis/Lowery scandal)

[Robbien]

Lisa Friedman and George Watson, Staff Writers

Congressional watchdogs blasted a $600,000 severance payment that a lobbying firm with ties to Rep. Jerry Lewis paid to one of its partners days before he assumed a top slot with Lewis on the House Appropriations Committee.

Redlands native Jeff Shockey lobbied Congress on behalf of dozens of San Bernardino County and Riverside County agencies in his six years with Copeland Lowery Jacquez Denton & White. Shockey quickly rose to partner, and before leaving in 2005 to become Lewis' deputy staff director, he earned $1.5 million, making him one of Washington's top-paid lobbyists.

Considering Shockey's salary and stake in the firm, several political ethicists said they do not consider a $600,000 severance payment excessive. At the same time, such a rich going-away present from a firm with vested interests in Congress to an aide who would have his hands on congressional purse strings troubled many watchdogs.

"Here is this aide who clearly influences what happens on the committee," said Michael Surrusco, director of Common Cause's ethics campaign. "Immediately before taking the job he's being paid by a select group of clients, and that stinks," he said. "The system shouldn't allow that to happen."

According to published reports, federal prosecutors are examining links between Lewis, the chairman of the appropriations panel, and the lobbying firm's founder, former San Diego Rep. William Lowery, in connection with the bribery investigation of convicted Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_3830538

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