Comments on: MN GOP: CORPORATE LOBBYIST AMY KLOBUCHAR REFUSES TO DISCUSS CORPORATE LOBBYING CAREER

By: Roving Reporter

Roving Reporter — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:52:28 +0000

What would you say if a reporter called you and asked you why the people of Minnesota should trust a campaign run by a former Enron lobbyist whose candidate was an Arthur Anderson CPA?

In a day of heightened skepticism of the ethics of politicians, this seems like a couple of fairly huge red flags.

By: Michael B. Brodkorb

Michael B. Brodkorb — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:40:15 +0000

Dwight: The reports aren’t calling me on the U.S. Senate race – but rather on Ellison. I have disclosed and I will continue to remind the readers of Minnesota Democrats Exposed my outside work.

By: Dwight

Dwight — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:29:22 +0000

Michael, when a reporter or columnist writes about something in which they have a clear conflict of interest, disclosure is made with each and every article they write, not just once at the beginning of the year in an obscure, long-lost post. You’ll even hear it on MPR/NPR when they report on one of their sponsors. You’re being disingeneous if you continue to write about the Klobuchar-Kennedy race without full disclosure of your role as a PAID CONSULTANT to Kennedy with each and every post. You are so proud of the national attention your blog is getting–do you think every reporter who reads your Klobuchar-bashing posts is aware of your conflict when visiting here for the first time. How about being honest with your readers? Do you think those reporters reading your flailing against Ellison are aware you are a PAID CONSULTANT for a Republican US Senate candidate? Don’t you think that might be fair to let them know? Maybe you should just post at the top of MDE: “Michael Brodkorb is a paid political consultant to the Mark Kennedy for Senate Campaign.” That would be the only honest thing to do.

By: EvilDemocratz

EvilDemocratz — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:27:10 +0000

Look at all the DFL’ers covering for Amy’s lobbying hypocracy. No defense presented, just making up bogus “charges” about Kennedy (based on nothing other than having been one of tens of thousands of CPA’s that once worked for a company.)

Pathetic.

By: bobby_b

bobby_b — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 19:40:25 +0000

“So, Mark Kennedyâ€™s campaign manager Pat Shortridge once lobbied for Enron, Mark Kennedy worked as a CPA for Arthur Anderson, and you think that AMY has some explaining to do?”

Um, yeah, we’d be very happy to listen to both of them explain to the public each of their own experiences.

Some voters – even some of yours – understand and appreciate that “worked for Enron” is something short of “disembowels babies with a sharp spoon.” Perhaps it might even signify “victim” in some circumstances?

By: Northsider

Northsider — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:58:55 +0000

For the record, when exactly did Kennedy leave Andersen?

I know that he worked for Skopko and Dept 56 in the intervening years. And the Enron blow-up occurred in Nov. 2000, a few days before he was elected to his House seat.

By: MN Campaign Report

MN Campaign Report — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:15:50 +0000

I know that, which is why I said I’m not sticking it to you….I’m just saying that the custom is to make a brief disclosure with each post. Just sayin’.

By: Roving Reporter

Roving Reporter — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:57:11 +0000

So, Mark Kennedy’s campaign manager Pat Shortridge once lobbied for Enron, Mark Kennedy worked as a CPA for Arthur Anderson, and you think that AMY has some explaining to do?

Are these the sort of core ethics that Minnesotans seek in their Senators? Tens of thousands of people lost money or jobs over the work these two were doing on behalf of Ken Lay and the boys. Is it any wonder that George likes Mark so much?

By: Michael B. Brodkorb

Michael B. Brodkorb — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:28:26 +0000

I’ve been more than clear about my work with Kennedy’s campaign. There have been numerous posts about my work.

I’ve disclosed.

By: MN Campaign Report

MN Campaign Report — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:20:58 +0000

Michael, I’m not trying to stick it to you on this one, but I think if you’re going to republish something like this you might want to mention your consultancy with Mark Kennedy’s campaign.

By: Roving Reporter

Roving Reporter — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:20:19 +0000

Has Mark Kennedy been very open about his time spent working as a CPA for Arthur Anderson?

What role did he play in the Enron debacle? What other clients did he serve, and what, if any, negative impact did his or Arthur Anderson’s work on their behalf have on shareholders/employees?

The moment Mark Kennedy opens up about his time with the scandal-riddled Arthur Anderson, I think Amy will be more willing to talk about her past jobs.