Former GOP Whip Gave Earmark To Former Staffer

Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt has come under fire from the Center for Public Integrity for engaging in a controversial pattern of providing earmarks to a former-staffer-turned-lobbyist.

The Center for Public Integrity reports that former Blunt chief of staff Gregg Hartley, who now works for DC lobbying firm Cassidy & Associates and is registered as a lobbyist for EaglePicher Technologies, has given Blunt $11,783 in campaign contributions over the last three years after leaving Blunt's staff. Blunt, as a Republican whip, provided a $3,920,000 earmark in a 2008 bill for "Advanced Lithium-Carbon Monoflouride Combat Portable Batteries."

Last month, the Center exposed the circles of influence between members of the subcommittee, their former staffers who have become lobbyists, and the contractors they represent. The pattern, which we call "The Murtha Method," works like this: the former staffers become lobbyists for firms seeking earmarks; the Representatives secure earmarks for the companies those lobbyists represent, and the contractors and/or the lobbyists send campaign contributions to those members of Congress.

Cassidy & Associates Web site describes Hartley as having been "one of the most savvy chiefs of staff to a leadership member" who once worked closely with Blunt during his 18 years with the Congressman. Eagle Picher provides technologies for the automotive, defense, medical and space industries, according to its Web site.