Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn's Son-in-law Capitalizes On Ties

[DeSwiss]

Son-in-law capitalizes on ties to Blackburn
Some of lobbyist's clients are in congresswoman's district

By BILL THEOBALD • Tennessean Washington Bureau • July 20, 2008


WASHINGTON — Rep. Marsha Blackburn's son-in-law and companies he works for have been paid about $1 million to lobby the federal government since 2004, according to a review of federal lobbying records. Among the companies who have paid Paul Ketchel III to represent them are several that are located in the Brentwood Republican's district and whose business falls under the authority of the House committee on which Blackburn serves. Ketchel and Blackburn's office say they avoid any lobbying contacts between the two, but good government advocates argue that having family members of congressmen working as lobbyists creates an appearance of a conflict of interest.

More than 50 members of Congress have relatives who are registered lobbyists, said Craig Holman, campaign finance lobbyist for Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. "It's clear that the appearance and perception of potential corruption shines through," Holman said of Blackburn's situation. "One of the best ways to influence (a member of Congress) is to get into a relationship with family members."

Ketchel, 34, said in written responses to e-mailed questions that he takes "the reputation of (his) family very seriously and (has) taken great care to never put (himself or his family) in any situation that could be considered a conflict of interest."

Steve Brophy, Blackburn's chief of staff, wrote in a statement released by her office that "Congressman Blackburn has long been concerned with the issue of congressional favors for preferred constituents or supporters, to say nothing of family members."

"This office has maintained a clear barrier between the Congressman and Paul Ketchel's work as a lobbyist," he said.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/NEWS07/807200393">MORE

- So Marsha's got herself a barrier erected up in her office to keep her son-in-law and his lobbyist buds at-bay, has she? Well, I think they need to check that barrier for cracks, because it looks like $1 million dollars leaked through it, right into his pockets.

And what's this business about she's been "concerned with the issue" of Congressional favors? What the hell does that mean? The question I think most people would want to have answered is, has she been "concerned with the reality" of Congressional favors? I just hope the FeeBees are taking note. Like they did with John Ford. Personally, I think they both look better in orange.

I'm sure being the son-in-law of a (once) powerful dyed-in-the-wool BushCo Repuke must be daunting, not to mention frightening at times. I mean those people are insane you know. So I suppose we should be happy for him that at least he's getting along with his mother-in-law.

Of course with him getting paid this way, she'll always know just how much money he makes. Which is all that matters, I'm sure....
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DeSwiss


http://www.atheisttoolbox.com/">The Atheist Toolbox

[southerncrone]

1. Hey, DeSwiss. Your favorite Rep. with the morals of an alley cat...

(apology to alley cats everywhere)

Good ole Burnblack's gotta make hay while the sun shines! My guess is she'll face serious opposition next election. Let's hope so, anyway. Most likely will be a Red, but perhaps will be one with some sense. She is such an embarrassment to the state & the gender, I cringe when I see her open her mouth!

:hi: Hope you're doing well!