Posted on 12/01/2011 12:30:29 AM PST by Fred
Newt Gingrich specifically urged the Florida Legislature to consider projects initiated by clients of his Center for Health Transformation, an audio recording of the 2006 meeting shows.
The audio raises more questions about Gingrich's claims to have never engaged in lobbying. The 2006 health "summit" was noted in a New York Times story tonight. The Buzz tracked down the audio, which was archived on the Florida House website.
"We urge you look to look at a Travelocity model of buying drugs with real-time information, building with what you've already done with My Florida Rx," Gingrich told a packed audience in the Florida House chamber. "And we've worked with MedImpact to design a model that we
(Excerpt) Read more at tampabay.com ...
Cannot trust this man .
Sorry, don’t see anything wrong with presenting ideas that will actually save money.
Second, there is no prohibition on a former federal Congressman lobbying a state legislature.
Third, it is questionable whether this sort of speech constitutes "lobbying."
I am curious whether the objection is to the idea that Gingrich was "lobbying" in Florida or whether the objection is to the content of the ideas he was expressing to the Florida legislature? If it is the former, it smacks of trolling for smear material.
They will go down the GOP line with scorched earth politics, nothing based on the issues, until they reach the guy who is the least threat to them, (fmr. governor Gary Johnson) and will make up something about a jackalope humping his leg in New Mexico back in 1997 or something. They of course started with the biggest threat, Herman Cain, and are still on him. And of course, all mitts off Mitt.
Newt is a citizen, and can express any opinion he wants. It’s not like he took money to represent stuff he doesn’t believe in.
I don't trust Newt because he is an extreme compromiser, he does believe the perception of working together is paramount to getting things done. Whatever conservative principles Newt has, he will abandon at the compromise table if need be.
I know someone will say what about the contract with America, I will say this, Newt was forcefull in his presentation of the contract, however the contract was designed to be fluid, in that it could easily be compromised, as evidenced by how quickly the principles outlined evaporated to the point of nonexistence within just a few years.
Not all lobbies are bad. Like those that lobby against the marxists taking over our govt and economy.
Did Gingrich really “claim” to have never lobbied?
Being a member of congress is all about lobbying
Lobbying is being paid to change the votes of lawmakers on specific issues. This is not lobbying any more than letting illegals stay in country as non-citizens is amnesty.
When the Federal and State Governments regulate, control and intimidate the private sector - it helps to have a knowledgable third party (consultant) to advise and influence the debate.
Private enterprise!!!!!
Getting paid for doing something creative and productive. Helping private businesses stay in business. I like it!!
At least someone’s making money in this economy.
Model this. Model that. I can’t stand Gingrich. I’ll never vote for him—even against Obama. He’s the worst flavor of the month so far.
Whom, Gingrich or Fred?
Newtered .
Gingrich says he never lobbied because he was making $60k a speech, didn’t need money
If Gingrich was advising and influencing lobby groups (which is what paid speakers do) then he himself was not technically a “lobbyist” anymore than Sarah Palin or the first wookie are “Lobbyists” (actually it is the wookie who crosses into being an undeclared unregistered “lobbyist” when she twists arms of Congress critters and cabinet staffers)
But certainly the WaCOMPOST is not interested in technicalities except for what the meaning of “is” is
FWIW, I detest lobbyists. And I don’t care who or what they shill for. I have more respect for hookers.
Newt is a citizen, and can express any opinion he wants. It’s not like he took money to represent stuff he doesn’t believe in.
It’s not like he was enriching himself at the expense of others by using insider trading information while in Congress. Oh wait, there’s nothing ILLEGAL about that as Congress is exempt from insider trading laws.
The hair-splitting is hilarious. He’s a lobbyist, pure and simple. Those who remain willfully blind to that are delusional.
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