Abramoff Scandal Could Cast Pall On Tech Lobby

[democrat_patriot]

This is from eweek.com


http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1911073,00.asp


The scandal now swirling around lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a former favorite of the tech industry, could hamper the efforts of IT heavyweights to advance their agendas in the coming year.

The amount the industry pays to influence government decisions now rivals that of veteran lobby operations such as the oil and gas business and telephone companies. Between 1998 and 2004, IT companies reported spending approximately $346 million on lobbying. In contrast, telephone companies reported spending approximately $366 million, according to documents filed with the U.S. Senate Office of Public Records. The strategy: spread dollars far and wide, covering both political parties and all decision makers. The industry's lobby grew from almost nothing 12 years ago to one of the 10 biggest spenders today, with Microsoft Corp. at the forefront of the spending.

But that influential machine may be in danger of breaking down as high-tech companies take a closer look at the lobbyists they employ and the image that those lobbyists are portraying in Washington.

The amount the industry pays to influence government decisions now rivals that of veteran lobby operations such as the oil and gas business and telephone companies. Between 1998 and 2004, IT companies reported spending approximately $346 million on lobbying, while telephone companies reported spending approximately $366 million, according to Senate documents.

[democrat_patriot]

1. From comment section - Preston gates?

Article : Abramoff Scandal Could Cast Pall On Tech Lobby
From : garylyn
Date : 1/17/2006 2:40:16 PM
Subject : Preston Gates & Ellis



Message 1 of 3


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Why not just come out and say it? The Preston Gates part of this lobbyist outfit is the Preston Gates Law firm where Chairman Bill's father is the primary partner. This article entirely skips what may be the most disgraceful scandal the tech industry has ever experienced, that Microsoft was found guilty of egregious anti trust violations and criminal activities, yet allowed to skate and continue business as usual. The Abramoff - Delay connection was exactly how Microsoft purchased influence within the Bush Administration prior to the 2000 election. After taking office, the Bush Administration instructed the DOJ to cut Microsoft a sweet settlement offer for the egregiously criminal anti trust violations they were found to be guilty of. Does it surprise anyone that David Boise, the DOJ's lawyer who hammered Microsoft in the anti trust trial, is also the same lawyer fighting in Florida to keep the Bush Administration out of the Whitehouse? And away from the DOJ? Cmon, there's an 40,000 lbs gorilla in the room, and he's sucking up all the oxygen. This article dances around the big story as if it never happened.

~ge~

[Grateful for Hope]

2. Does anyone know

if there is any connection between Abramoff and Harris Miller?