Yesterday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to block the confirmation process for all Obama administration appointees. McConnell said he was acting on behalf of Alabama GOP Senator Richard Shelby. Shelby's goal: force the administration to deliver a giant defense contract for aerial tankers to the European aerospace giant EADS, which would assemble the tankers in Alabama.
So who stands to benefit from Shelby's hold if he gets his way?
You won't be surprised to learn that it turns out Shelby has received a mountain of cash from both EADS and EADS' domestic partner on the aerial tanker bid, Northrop Grumman. According to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity, Northrop Grumman has contributed more than $ 100,000 from its political action committee to Shelby during his four terms in the U.S. Senate. Moreover, Shelby has received contributions directly from top officials of both EADS and Northrop Grumman and his former legislative director now lobbies for EADS. Sam Stein:
Airbus Chairman T. Allan McArtor, meanwhile, donated $1,500 to Shelby in May 2009. Samuel Adcock, EADS Senior Vice President of Government Relations, donated $1,000 to Shelby in 2003. A fellow lobbyist and top executive at the company, Ralph Crosby, donated the same amount that same year. One other EADS employee, Bacon Douglas, donated $1,500 in 2003.
The strongest connection between Shelby and EADS, however, may not involve campaign contributions. The senator's former legislative director, Stewart Hall, is a major lobbyist for the defense contractor -- he was signed up by EADS North America in 2006 while a member of the firm the Federalist Group. During that time period, the Federalist Group was given $240,000 to help advance the company's legislative interests. When Hall left for another major lobbying firm, Ogilvy, he brought EADS with him -- receiving $160,000 in compensation for his work for the company.
As bad as Shelby's actions look, it's important to remember that he is not acting on his own. Without the support of McConnell, who is carrying Shelby's water, Shelby's attempt to take Obama administration nominees hostage would fail.
But McConnell -- and presumably the rest of the Senate Republican caucus -- support Shelby's extortionist ploy. So this isn't just about Richard Shelby. It's about the entire GOP caucus -- and the Senate's arcane rules that allow them to abuse the democratic process.
Democrats must stand up to this abuse, and use it as an opportunity to finally change the system that has stood in the way of achieving so many of our national priorities. This is their moment. They cannot let it slip by.