Lynn's Raytheon cash ties run deep

Barack Obama's pick for top deputy at the Pentagon is in line for a payout of as much as $1.25 million in the coming weeks - for his work as a lobbyist for one of the nation's top defense contractors.

William Lynn’s nomination as deputy defense secretary already has come under fire from Democrats and Republicans because of his ties to Raytheon, where Lynn worked as a lobbyist -- a seeming violation of Obama’s pledge to keep lobbyist influence out of his administration.

Now Lynn’s financial disclosure statement, filed two weeks ago with the Office of Government Ethics, also reveals that his financial connections to the company are deeper than previously known.

Lynn reported earning $369,615 from Raytheon last year as a senior vice president, He also reported 6,000 shares of restricted company stock worth between $500,000 and $1 million that will vest in February – at a time when he would be on the Pentagon payroll.

Plus, the statement shows that Lynn’s 2008 cash bonus of as much as $250,000 - “pursuant to previously established bonus target formula” – is payable in March.

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Khayembii Communique said:

Not surprising in the slightest. If a big enough stink isn't raised by Obama's political opponents (who, by the way, partake in the same kind of actions), then he'll be accepted.

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A lobbyist who joins the Obama administration also is forbidden from working on issues they previously were involved with, he said. Any person who leaves the administration will be barred from lobbying the government for two years.

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

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I'm still waiting for the stink to be raised by Obama's political supporters.

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From what I can tell this appoinment doesn't violate the rules:

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Executive Order said:

"2. Revolving Door Ban All Appointees Entering Government. I will not for a period of 2 years from the date of my appointment participate in any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients, including regulations and contracts.

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Khayembii Communique said:

Some will oppose the move and others will rationalize it.



"working on issues they previously were involved with". Raytheon is a defense contractor. The Pentagon has contracts with Raytheon. Lynn was lobbying for Raytheon.

EDIT:


White House

This is what is blatantly violated, which is why they are trying to seek an exception for him.

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I still don't see the violation but I do think it will happen. I don't think it is the wisest choice in appointments either.

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3.1.3. Establish performance goals and measures for improving and evaluating overall economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and monitor and measure the progress of the Department.
3.1.4. Develop and maintain a Department-wide strategic plan for business reform.
Source

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Khayembii Communique said:

How on earth can you not see it?

1. Lynn was a Raytheon lobbyist.
2. The Department of Defense has contracts with Raytheon.
3. The deputy secretary of defense has the ability to:


4. That is a direct violation of the aforementioned executive order.

Of course, I could also argue that since the DoD is a past client of Raytheon, Lynn would be violating the order by "participat[ing] in any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to my... former clients."

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Just appointing him is not a violation though.

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