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Obama Ex-Lobbyist Pick in New Flap
June 11, 2009
By Justin Rood
Rood From Washington; ABC News/Online
Former defense lobbyist Bill Lynn made waves a few months ago when President Obama crossed his lobbyist ban by tapping him to be Deputy Defense Secretary. He’s doing it again. Back in January, several groups opposed Lynn’s nomination because of the inherent conflicts of interest they said he would face trying not to involve himself in matters that could involve his old employer, Raytheon, which does a reported $10 billion in Defense business annually. …
“He’s supposed to be recusing himself from anything he might have lobbied on,” said Mandy Smithberger of POGO, referring to the terms of a special waiver President Obama granted the ex-lobbyist. “So he might not be the best to have in that position at this moment.”...
