Lobbyists play key convention roles

[No Mandate Here.]

<http://www.postgazette.com/pg/04246/372135.stm>

NEW YORK -- When Juan Jose Perez, an Ohio delegate, formally placed George W. Bush's name in nomination for president Monday, two men stood by to make sure there were no mistakes.

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This week, Isakowitz and Gates are focused on only two clients: President Bush and the Republican Party. And they are not alone: From top to bottom, Washington lobbyists are playing key roles in running the Republican National Convention in New York.

The convention chief executive officer, Bill Harris, last year registered to lobby on behalf of Quest Software Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform. The chairman of the convention's arrangements committee, David Norcross, has lobbied for a variety of defense contractors, including Raytheon Corp. and Boeing Co. Lobbyist Bryce "Larry" Harlow, who is in charge of "official proceedings," represents Visa, insurance interests, Budweiser and drug companies.

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Anne Phelps, for example, is executive director of the Platform Committee. Her lobbying clients include the Ho-Chunk Nation Indian tribe of Wisconsin and FMC Technology Inc.

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Can there be any more doubt that this administration is FOR SALE to the highest bidder? ... more blatantly and completely than in memory?

Anyone know of a photo that shows the three guys mentioned in the top paragraphs- standing at the altar?