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Written by Nicole Russell
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Saturday, 10 May 2008 20:19 |
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Republican National Convention Coordinator, Doug Goodyear resigned Saturday after a report that his lobbying firm used to represent the military regime in Myanmar.
In a statement released today, Goodyear said:
"Today I offered the convention my resignation so as not to become a distraction in this campaign. I continue to strongly support John McCain for president, and wish him the best of luck in this campaign."
From the Strib:
Justice Department records covering agents of foreign agents that are required to register with the U.S. government show DCI signed a contract to work to "improve relations between the United States and Myanmar" and to act as the junta's public relations agent in Washington.
Newsweek said the firm drafted news releases praising Burma's efforts to curb the drug trade and denouncing claims by the Bush administration that the regime engaged in rape and other abuses.
"It was our only foreign representation, it was for a short tenure, and it was six years ago," Newsweek quoted Goodyear as saying. The magazine said Goodyear added that the junta's record in the current cyclone crisis is "reprehensible."
The Newsweek article also reported that some of Goodyear's allies worried the choice of Goodyear could fuel perceptions that McCain is surrounded by lobbyists. DCI Group earned $3 million last year lobbying for ExxonMobil, General Motors and other clients, the report said.
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Yikes. I'm all for lobbying, after all, the "right to redress" is consitutional and lobbyists are redressers on steroids. But really, what's a conservative lobbyist doing representing the dictating thugs in Myanmar? Doesn't look like any lobbyist tricks changed their behavior, even if the relationship was awhile ago. Regardless of whether the RNC forced him out, or Goodyear left before the door hit him in the backside, it was a smart move. Hopefully since his departure was brief, the news hit will be quick and won't bring up a tirade of articles on John McCain, lobbying etc. (like the article above). However you see it, it brings new meaning to the phrase, the past can come back to haunt you. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 10 May 2008 20:48 )
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