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Monday, October 03, 2005

OH-14: In Bed With A Lobbyist

Posted by Tim Tagaris

Literally.

Two years back, Congressman Steve LaTourette informed his wife and mother of his children that he wanted a divorce...over the phone. He cited marital infidelity as the reason for the split. In fact, Congressman LaTourette was in bed with a Washington lobbyist, literally. Since then business has boomed for his new bride.

Success in marriage business has been good for Jennifer LaTourette, the lobbyist formerly known as Jennifer Laptook. She took U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette's last name after marrying the Concord Township Republican, her former boss, in February. She also has increased her billings with at least two of her clients, new federal lobbying records show. [...]

[T]he Clinic recently got $7.1 million from Congress to build a parking garage, and the Port Authority got $6 million for a ferry terminal, it may have been money well spent. Her husband says his new wife doesn't lobby him or the House transportation committee, on which he serves. Mrs. LaTourette is mum on the matter, steadfastly refusing to call back reporters inquiring about her effectiveness in obtaining taxpayer dollars for clients.

Last week, LaTourette was the beneficiary of a fundraiser from US Trade Representative Rob Portman. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but it probably came as a result of the congressman's flip-flop on CAFTA. After going on the record as a "No" vote for the trade bill that passed by a 217-215 vote in July, LaTourette switched sides in the waning moments, and the measure barely passed.

Just another log to toss on the fire in Ohio.

Posted at 02:30 PM in Ohio | Technorati

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» Portman Fundraiser for Ohio Workers Sellout from Ohio 2nd
What do you get for selling out Ohio workings by switching your vote on CAFTA? If you are Republican Steve LaTourette it's a lavish DC fundraiser by former Ohio 2nd Representative Rob Portman. Donors who put up $500 to $2,500 to see Portman at the Ca... [Read More]

Tracked on October 3, 2005 03:06 PM

Comments

I think you mean /mother of his child/ instead of father...feel free to delete this comment.

Posted by: chuckles at October 3, 2005 03:27 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

What are our chances of taking out Deborah Pryce? I believe she's in Columbus. I remember her giving a blistering critique of CAFTA the day before the vote with the bipartisan group of House members. The next day, she voted for it. Smells like a Rove payola to me. In an ideal situation, we can take back a handful of Ohio House seats next year.

Posted by: Mark at October 3, 2005 05:06 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment