Another possible pay-to-play arrangement appears to be unraveling under public scrutiny – this one involving Rep. John Murtha, the powerful defense appropriator from Pennsylvania.
Federal investigators are looking into whether a prominent defense lobbyist and former top aide to Murtha funneled bogus contributions to the Democratic lawmaker in return for earmarks for his clients.
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ABC News broke the story this week that the FBI had raided the offices of the PMA Group in Arlington, VA in November, right after the elections. One of the capitol’s largest lobbying firms, PMA Group is headed by Paul Magliocchetti, a former top aide to Murtha. At least one other former Murtha aide, Julie Giardina, also worked there. Dan Cunningham, another PMA staffer, is a former Congressional aide who is close to Murtha, according to The Hill newspaper.
As the chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Murtha helped deliver $100 million in defense-related earmarks to PMA clients in appropriations bills for 2008, according to government watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, which tracks earmarks.
He also received hundreds of thousands in donations from PMA’s executives and clients during this election cycle. Roll Call found earlier this week that over the last three election cycles, Murtha received about $1.75 million from PMA and its clients.
Murtha, once described as “one of Capitol Hill’s most accomplished masters at the art of pork” by U.S. News & World Report, denies any quid pro quo and says he has no indication he is a federal target.
Federal prosecutors haven’t shown their hand. But late last month, the FBI and IRS also raided the offices of a defense contractor with close ties to Murtha – Kuchera Industries and Kuchera Defense Systems. Murtha has reportedly channeled $100 million in earmarks to those companies.
Even without any indictments, the fallout is already being felt. This week, The Hill reported that the PMA Group is disintegrating, with Magliocchetti heading off to potential retirement in Florida and other principals informing clients that they are starting a new firm, Flagship Government Relations.
The head of the new firm is Kaylene Green, who had been vice chairman of PMA Group and a former Senate Armed Services Committee staffer.
Last year, PMA ranked as the 10th largest lobbying firm in DC, representing a long list of defense companies, among them, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, both of which have facilities in Johnstown, PA. Boeing and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) are also on its client list.
Update 2/19: Roll Call reports that PMA has notified clients that it plans to cease operations March 31,
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2 Comments
#1. NITA 02.13.2009
IS THERE AN AGENCY THAT INVESTIGATES PEOPLE AND COMPANIES FOR THEIR
SORDID AFFILLIATIONS AND REPUTATIONS? – THAT ISN’T FUNDED BY SOME OF THEM?
#2. akcoyote 02.13.2009
It’s about time that the PEOPLE got MAD and we thew everyone of the bums out! Vote NO on all incumbents!
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