Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Sully- who wrote (77166)	1/29/2010 2:43:51 AM
From: Sully-	of 90947

Obama's exports pick tied to arms makers Clients could spur recusals By Jim McElhatton The Washington Times President Obama's pick to help oversee U.S. export controls for the Commerce Department is a lawyer and political supporter who has been providing export advice to Fortune 500 companies such as arms manufacturer Raytheon and aerospace giant Boeing. But while White House officials and members of Congress have lauded Kevin J. Wolf's experience for the Commerce job, his recent legal work effectively appears to bar him from potential matters involving dozens of companies. Mr. Obama's ethics rules, described by the White House as "the toughest of any administration in history," prohibit political appointees such as Mr. Wolf from "particular matters" involving former employers or clients. "Depending on his former clients, Mr. Wolf might have to recuse himself from many job duties and responsibilities in which they are involved," said Scott Amey, general counsel for the nonpartisan Project On Government Oversight. "If that's the case, I would be concerned that any real or apparent conflicts of interest would hinder his ability to serve taxpayers effectively." A private practice lawyer who raised at least $50,000 for Mr. Obama's election, Mr. Wolf's nomination last month as assistant secretary of commerce for export administration is pending. The Washington Times obtained Mr. Wolf's client list through a recently filed financial-disclosure statement, which reveals the sources of his income and clients for 2008 and 2009. Mr. Wolf declined to comment, but a White House spokesman said Mr. Wolf can still serve effectively even if he has to recuse himself from issues pertaining to former clients. White House spokesman Ben LaBolt said Mr. Wolf will be required to recuse himself for two years from particular matters in which his former clients are parties or represent parties. "The administration's ethics rules … require a clear separation between his private-sector work on behalf of clients and his current position that will include enforcement responsibilities," Mr. LaBolt said. "Career ethics officials reviewed his client list in consultation with agency program officials and determined this recusal would not impair his ability to carry out his duties as assistant secretary of commerce for export administration, given that there are thousands of U.S. companies he did not work with in the private sector," Mr. LaBolt said. washingtontimes.com

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next