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September 13, 2010

John Boehner Scrutinized for Close Ties to Corporate Lobbyists
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In political news, the New York Times has revealed new details about
House Minority Leader John Boehner’s close ties to corporate lobbyists.
Boehner could become the next House Speaker if Republicans retake the
House in the November midterm elections. Boehner maintains especially
tight ties with a circle of lobbyists and former aides representing some
of the nation’s biggest businesses, including Goldman Sachs, Google,
Citigroup, R.J. Reynolds, Miller Coors and UPS. The Times reports these
lobbyists have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to his
campaigns, provided him with rides on their corporate jets, socialized
with him at luxury golf resorts and waterfront bashes, and are now
leading fundraising efforts for his Boehner for Speaker campaign. His
close ties to lobbyists date back to the 1990s. In 1996, he was caught
handing out checks from tobacco lobbyists to fellow Republicans on the
House floor.



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