Evan Bayh Won't Rule Out Becoming A Lobbyist After His Term Ends

[IndianaGreen]

Evan Bayh Won't Rule Out Becoming A Lobbyist After His Term Ends

Arthur Delaney
First Posted: 02-16-10 03:35 PM

If Bayh wants to head for K Street, he, like other retired members of Congress, would have excellent job prospects. In 2005, the progressive watchdog group Public Citizen reported that 43 percent of the members who retired from 1998 to 2004 registered as lobbyists. That total excludes people like former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who does lobbying work but avoids registering.

There are several plum jobs available right now. The Hill reported on Tuesday that at least four major trade associations -- including Big Pharma and the Motion Picture Association of America -- are hiring for leadership positions with salaries of at least $1 million.

If Bayh does become a lobbyist, he wouldn't be the only member of the current Congress to "go downtown." Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) announced his retirement from Congress last fall and instead of finishing his term, he immediately took a job with law and lobbying firm DLA Piper (though he did not register as a lobbyist).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/evan-bayh-wont-rule-out-b_n_464082.html

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Makes sense. He started long before his term ended so why not stick with it?

[depakid]

2. More money, less work- and now, a Supreme Court decision further legalizing bribery

For a guy like Bayh, what's not to like about those prospects?

[Impedimentus]

3. Best thing to say to Bayh is ...

bye.

[DJ13]

4. If we conviene a constitutional convention to tackle the USSC corp = people

Can we also add a provision that would prevent public officials from working in an industry directly related to their public office for a period of 5 years (or more)?

This revolving door shit has to stop.

[DebbieCDC]

5. You mean he's NOT been a lobbyist all this time?

[polichick]

9. Got a jump-start on his new career! nt

[Armstead]

6. Either that or become a Rich Corporate Lawyer

Somehow I can't see him teaching in the ghetto or becoming an underpaid citizen activist anything like that.

[madmax]

7. SOB

Bastid! Why hasn't legislation been passed prohibiting those who have held office in Public Service be barred from working as a lobbyist for 5 years. :mad:

In addition he keeps his government health care insurance. What an absolute bullshit rack these fuckers have.

[JoePhilly]

8. This is a surprise?

[BlueIdaho]

10. Its payback time...

Looks like its time for Evan to earn some of that slush money his corporate handlers have been shoving in his pants the last several years.

Ironic since he's leaving because he abhors the "gridlock" in Congress - since now he can contribute to the toxic environment.

[Jennicut]

11. Oh gag me please. He is such a slime. But we should be used to politicians on both sides doing this.

[RememberWellstone]

12. He's an asshole

So are the other assholes jumping when we need unity. I am guessing there will be more defections and cowardess to come.x(

[marshall]

13. It he craves power and influence, that's where it lies.

Sad but true these days.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

14. money lobbyist

[FormerDittoHead]

15. That's the "Career Path" in our system. The SYSTEM is bad.

The whole political infrastructure is a corrupt mess.

"Working within the system" isn't going to change it.

[JTFrog]

16. I thought it was a given that he was gonna take Tauzin's job.

:shrug:

Timing and all that....

[asdjrocky]

17. I'm shocked. Shocked I tell you. nt

[Ganja Ninja]

18. Prostitute won't rule out becoming a pimp.

:eyes:

[asdjrocky]

20. +1

[karynnj]

19. You wonder if the fact that he likely has really worn out his welcome with Democrats

would hurt. The ususal value of the an ex-legislator is both their knowledge of how things work and their relationships. Daschle, for instance, had pretty strong connections to most Democrats elected before 2004.

[LatteLibertine]

21. The revolving door

is one of the big problems in politics IMO. Folks go from government to lobbying and back, or the other way around. It's musical chairs and hook ups all the way around. Some politicians seem to do favors and make money as long as they can in office then jet to more directly serve their masters.

[otohara]

22. They Aren't Rich Enough

total worth is somewhere between $4 to $15 million.

IT'S JUST NOT ENOUGH!!!

[Ganja Ninja]

24. That's what kills me about these people.

If I had his money I would retire and move to the tropics. The SOB has been rich all his life and he has to fuck up everyone else's life so he can get richer. It's a wonder why the American people haven't started hanging these scum bags from the lamp posts in DC.

[Raineyb]

23. This is a surprise? How?

Bayh is and always has been a corporate tool. THAT'S what they do when they've finished pretending to give a damn about the public good. Of course he's not ruling it out he's already got a lobbying job lined up.

[NatBurner]

25. yeah, we're all stunned at this shocker

i hope he makes enough money to do something about that weird hairhat he's sporting

[old mark]

26. I thought he already was one....nt