Posted on 05/08/2006 10:26:33 AM PDT by americaprd
Media, Pa -- Michael Puppio, Delaware County Chairman of Congressman Curt Weldon’s reelection campaign, today questioned Democrat candidate Joe Sestak’s ties to Stonebridge International, a Washington, DC based consulting and lobbying firm. Sestak’s spokesperson Allison Price is the Director of Communications at the firm, which was founded by former Clinton Administration official Sandy Berger, who was convicted of mishandling and destroying classified evidence related to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Allison Price, Sestak’s official campaign spokesperson, is listed on the lobbying and consulting firm’s website as its Director of Communications, which would seem to indicate a conflict of interest. Among its numerous clients, the firm is a registered lobbyist before Congress on behalf of French aircraft manufacturer Airbus, The Boeing Company’s major international rival in the production of civilian aircraft. The firm also lobbies on behalf of Gulfsands Petroleum, a company with oil interests and projects in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. In addition, to Sestak’s spokesperson’s ties to the firm, the principal of Stonebridge International, Sandy Berger hosted a major fundraiser for Sestak in Washington, DC that raised tens of thousands of dollars for Sestak’s campaign.
“Joe Sestak has been in the race only two months and he’s already cozying up to special interests,” said Michael Puppio. “I’m not sure how Joe Sestak can justify having a campaign spokesperson who works at a major DC lobbying firm. Beyond supplying campaign staffers, is Stonebridge International also helping to craft Joe Sestak’s policy positions? This just doesn’t pass the smell test.”
Joseph Sestak’s federal campaign filings lists his spokesperson Allison Price, who donated $500 to his campaign, as a consultant with Stonebridge International. The company’s website also lists Allison Price as its “Director of Communications,” noting that she “manages the firm’s communications strategies and plans.” A telephone call placed to the offices of Stonebridge International also transferred one of Congressman Weldon’s campaign staffers to Allison. (http://www.stonebridge-international.com/bios/bio25.html)
“First Joe Sestak accepts money from an individual who mishandled and destroyed classified information,” said Puppio. “Now it seems he’s running part of his communications efforts out of that lobbyist’s office. It will be interesting to see if his next finance reports list this as an in-kind contribution.”
Last week, Joe Sestak stated that there needs to be “full transparency between members and lobbyists.” But to date, he has not disclosed anything regarding his own relationship with Stonebridge International and how it relates to his campaign spokesperson.
“Joe Sestak is already aligning himself with Washington special interest groups,” said Puppio. “Sestak is now indebted to a firm lobbying on behalf of French company Airbus, which is competing with Boeing on a variety of contracts, potentially resulting in the loss of jobs here in Delaware County. Given his relationship with Stonebridge, I have no confidence that Joe Sestak is going to put the interests of local residents above those of his lobbying friends in Washington.”
Puppio also questioned Stonebridge’s representation of Gulfsands Petroleum, which has interests in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic.
“Local residents deserve to know if Sandy Berger or any other employee of Stonebridge has talked to Joe Sestak about Iraq, the Middle East, and oil prices,” said Puppio. “We don’t know what Gulfsands agenda is in Washington or the Middle East and how it is impacting Joe Sestak’s position on these issues. Voters have the right to know how Sestak is being influenced by these groups.”
Last week, Weldon questioned Sestak’s campaign contributions from recently dismissed CIA analyst Mary McCarthy, who was fired from her position within the intelligence community for illegally leaking classified information and materials that may have endangered counter-terrorism operations. McCarthy was hired to her position in the CIA by Sandy Berger. When Weldon urged Sestak to return the campaign contribution, Sestak’s spokesperson, Allison Price, told The Hill newspaper that “McCarthy gave because she thought much needs to change in Congress.”
“Delaware County residents deserve to know the type of people who want Joe Sestak in Congress and what their agendas are,” said Puppio. “Congressman Weldon has consistently put local resident first, through job creation, and funding local transportation and open space protection initiatives. Most importantly, you know that Curt is his own man, he’s an independent who speaks his mind. I’m not so sure that’s the case with Joe Sestak.”
Good to see Weldon is going on the offensive, although I still think he's got a tough race.
Able Danger *ping*
weldon wont have much trouble with sestak. this guy has too much baggage surrounding him.
Give 'em what-for, Curt.
Boeing is the biggest employer in Weldon's district.
The last paragraph *almost* says it all. Weldon represents some of us in Chester County, too.(Thank God)
Weldon and staff are not taking anything for granted in this election, however, I don't think Sestak stands much of a chance against Weldon (and his record.)
Sandy Berger just won't go away.. Able Danger, Porter Goss resignation, CIA leaks.. Even a chinese fire drill has more organization..
Not so fast. Sestak is a retired Vice Admiral, Naval Academy graduate, and hometown boy. I think he will give Weldon a battle, especially since there are some ethics issues hanging over Weldon's head.
"I am Joe Sestak. I grew up in Delaware County and am the son of an immigrant. I attended both grade school and Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield Township before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland."
"Prior to leaving naval service after 31 years and returning home to Delaware County, I attained the rank of Vice Admiral after having had a series of operational commands at sea, including Commander of an aircraft carrier battle group of 30 U.S. and allied ships that conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I have a Doctorate in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University, and served as the Director of Defense Policy in the White House during the Clinton Administration. Since graduating from the Naval Academy, I served my nation with great pride and commitment. I now wish to serve my local community and my country with that same level of pride and commitment, taking seriously the Academy’s stated mission to develop midshipmen not just for a career of naval service, but for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of citizenship and government."
"Therefore, I have decided to run for Congress in the 7th District of Pennsylvania, because Congress has enacted laws that do not have the security of our children as their first priority. If it did, Congress would not be passing tax and spending policies that will burden our children, and their children’s children, with higher taxes for decades to come. This burgeoning debt means decreased funding for needed health, education and defense initiatives. Our nation’s current health and educational policies are denying our children the prospects for a fulfilling and productive future, a healthy old age and the collective prosperity our nation needs to be secure. Also, our defense policies are eroding our children’s future global defense security as the tragic misadventure in Iraq continues to pursue elusive, ever-changing goals at the cost of strategic interests elsewhere."
Well, Sestak hasn't lived in his "hometown" for more than 30 years. Suddenly as Weldon is digging into Able dAnger, the Clintonites recruit one of their own, Sestak (a former member of the Clinton National Security Council) to run against Weldon. The Clintonites line up behind him giving big money and Kerry does a mass email to his contributors. Seems fishy to me.
He's got baggage and he's a carpterbagger. Hopefully voters in Weldon's district see through this sham of a candidacy.
As this article notes, Sestak was drummed out of the military for "poor command climate." He was the first Clinton guy booted out when Mullen took over.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1609797/posts
“While the (Chief of Naval Operations) truly appreciates and supports the analytic rigor Vice Adm. Sestak brought to his job, (Mullen) feels a change is needed during this critical time.”
A former Navy officer interviewed by The Times Herald said the command climate comment was “a euphemism for poor leadership that results in low morale amongst the sailors and officers. If everyone is upset, angry and there is a general lack of camaraderie, we would call that ‘poor command climate.’ For a captain or admiral to be reassigned is big. A career end.”
Ping.
http://www.uschina.org/member_companies.html
(As of 04/01/2006)
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Thanks Calpernia, I just came across this one too.
http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/cover022706.htm
Port Security, China
Sandy Berger & son of China President linked to Port Security International
By Judi McLeod
Monday, February 27, 2006
Forget Dubai-based DP World poised to run commercial operations in six leading American ports, it’s the players in the chess game called Port Security that Congress members should be losing the most sleep over.
While it’s true that port security falls under the jurisdiction of Coast Guard and U.S. customs officials, agents of both entities will need a program just to recognize all the players.
Port Security International (PSI) is an international partner’s network composed of an array of financial, strategic, technological and in-country port industry related companies.
PSI has an alliance with the China-based Nuctech, a company that "possesses the largest manufacture base of Linear Accelerator X-ray inspection machines to inspect containers at ports in the world." (www.secureports.com/partner.htm).
Boasts PSI of partner Nuctech: "As a result of its valuable contribution in the security inspection application, Nuctech has earned its indisputable reputation within the cargo inspection industry."
Chief Executive Officer of the 700-employee strong Nuctech is Hu Haifeng. That’s Hu Haifeng, the son of current China President Hu Jintao. It should surprise no one that Hu Haifeng is landing lucrative contracts in China.
At a 2005 meeting on port security in Dubai, Nuctech said that they hope to expand their foothold in the mid-east. (www.ameinfo.com/58032.html).
Airport, Port & Terminal Security 2006 will be held from April 3-4 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
"PSI has a strategic alliance with Stonebridge International LLC, a global business strategy firm based in Washington, DC that helps U.S. and multinational companies shape and execute strategies to solve problems and seize business opportunities worldwide." (Security Ports International 2004).
Disgraced Sandy "The Burgler" Berger heads up Stonebridge International.
Congress members will better know Berger than Hu Haifeng.
Berger, who served as National Security Adviser to former President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001, was under criminal investigation for taking highly classified terrorism documents that should have been turned over to the independent commission probing the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Berger and his lawyer, Lanny Breur said that he knowingly removed handwritten notes by stuffing them in his jacket, pants and socks and also inadvertently took copies of actual classified documents in a leather portfolio.
FBI agents searched Berger’s home and office after the former Clinton adviser volunteered to return some sensitive documents to the National Archives.
When news of the investigation surfaced, Berger quit as an informal adviser to Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry’s presidential campaign.
"Sandy Berger is my friend, and he has tirelessly served this nation with honor and distinction," Kerry said. "I respect his decision to step aside as an adviser to this campaign until this matter is resolved objectively and fairly."
In April of 2005, Berger, who served no prison time, was sentenced to two years’ probation and fined $50,000.
In a later reincarnation, Berger signed on as an adviser to the hit ABC TV show, Commander in Chief, where he joined fellow Clintonistas Capricia Marshall and Steve Cohon, (NewMax.com, Oct. 2005).
Hu Jintao, President of the Communist Peoples’ Republic of China tramples human rights and rules a country in which dissenters caught posting anti-government criticisms on the Internet, are thrown into prison.
In the brewing storm, it’s been all but forgotten that the United Arab Emirates was one of the first countries to join the U.S. container security initiative, which seeks to inspect cargo in foreign ports.
Congressional concerns about the decision to give port control to a company owned by a nation linked to 9/11 hijackers isn’t waning even though DP only moved into headlines through its acquisition of the British-owned Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O).
For anyone still watching their players’ program, U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, whose agency heads the federal panel that signed off the $6.8-billion sale of the English company to government-owned Dubai Ports World, was chairman of the CSX rail firm that sold its international port operations to DP World for $1., 15-billion in 2004–one year after Snow joined the cabinet of President Bush.
The international port chess game to date includes a company owned by a nation linked to the 9/11 hijackers poised to take over the commercial operation of six leading American ports. That’s not to mention a conglomerate in the port security business like PSI with ties to Sandy Berger and the son of the president of the People’s Republic to China.
Shouldn’t someone on either side of the House be asking President George W. Bush, "Who’s on first?"
http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin298.htm
DUBAI CO. TAKES OVER 9 US MILITARY FACILITIES
That may be, but this got zero coverage in the Philadelphia area newspapers today. You know if a prominent Republican's campaign -- say Tom Delay -- was using a lobbyist as a campaign spokesperson, the MSM would be having a field day.
Perception is everything. If the media doesn't cover Sestak's baggage, then no voters are going to know about it...
the inquirer will never show anything but the daily times will keep voters abreast. i could be wrong on this but i'd bet people in delaware county subscribe to the times newspaper 10 to 1 over the inquirer.
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