Brian Ross on Lobbyists: ABC 09/01/08

Brian Ross
World News ABC 07:20pm
Commentary

TRANSCRIPT:
CHARLES GIBSON: The Republican National Convention will a scaled-back gathering because of Hurricane Gustav. But there was little let up in the partying by delegates. Though, there was flood relief fundraising in some of the events. [...]

BRIAN ROSS: As the people of New Orleans were fleeing, many top GOP officials and lobbyists were dancing and drinking. This was the scene Saturday night in Minneapolis, with big spotlights, pink boas, and pink wigs, at a party in honor of the convention President, Maria Cerorino. Asked about the appropriateness of the party while the Gulf was bracing for a hurricane, some hid their faces with their boas. A republican national committeeman fled our cameras. And others said tough luck. Corporate lobbyists went ahead with their plans this weekend to spend millions of dollars entertaining key republican lawmakers and officials. Paddlewheel boat trips along the Mississippi for the Ohio delegation, courtesy of the chemical industry. Pig roast and reggae for the California delegation, thanks to big oil companies. All this despite pleas from the McCain campaign to tone things down. Yet, only a few hours later the National Rifle Association, Lockheed Martin, and the American Trucking Association took over a downtown bar for a party that went into the early hours. The band was called “Hookers and Blow”, the host was Washington lobbyist Glen Lamunion a longtime aid to former Congressman Tom Delay. And guests included the GOP House Deputy Whip, Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, who could be seen holding court with a table of lobbyists and Capital Hill Staffers, apparently unfazed by the request to suspend everything unless it was absolutely necessary.

ROSS: Do you have any hesitation coming to this party?

REP. BILL SHUSTER: I have no hesitation in coming to the Republican Convention.

ROSS: No, to this party thrown by a lobbyist?

SHUSTER: Well? No, I have no hesitation.

ROSS: And what is your relationship with that lobbyist?

SHUSTER: He’s a friend of mine, I’ve known him for 20 yeas.

ROSS: At some parties the lobbyists were asking guests to contribute to the Red Cross. But not here. This was all about business, the behinds the scenes business of influence and power. Come hurricane or high water.

Duration : 0:2:36

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