How influential is AIPAC? They are a player on the hill, no doubt. I was researching a case and pulled up the indictment of Larry Franklin. Found this gem. Before I go further, let me say that I support the ability of interest groups ability to plea their case to the executive and legislative branches. Further, let me say that, I also support a vigorous, effective voice for the interests of US citizens who are Jewish , and I support advocacy for a secure, prosperous Israel. But it seems Larry Franklin traded information with an AIPAC lobbyist with the hopes that the lobbyist would "put in a good word" to get Franklin on the NSC, from his old job in DoD.
from USA v. Franklin: Statement of Facts, October 5, 2005
It appears Rosen called the Pentagon asking for an expert in Iranian matters, and was given Franklins name and number.
Then from August 2002 to 2004 Franklin met with Rosen, Weissman and/or at least two Foreign Government employees over 20 times. One one occasion there were members of the media present, who later published reports of internal deliberations about foreign policy decisions of the US government. .
In one of their first meetings, Franklin asks Rosen to help him get a seat on the National Security Council, because then "he'd be by the elbow of the president". Rosen said he'd "see what he could do". A lobbyist saying he would help a dude who is passing classified information to him get a slot on the NSC?
Franklin was an Pentagon analyst, who moved into Doug Feith's Shop, but he had ambitions.
The Rosen and Weissman trial looks like it will be dismissed because of "greymail", forcing the goverment to make public classified information. Plato Chacheris even wanted Condi to testify.
In the new spirit of openness and reconciliation I hope the trial moves forward, and the whole messy story comes out. Franklin was concerned that the US State dept. under Powell was moving towards constructive dialogue with Iran. With which he disagreed.
Should the Rosen Wessiman trial move forward? Or be dismissed too embarassing. What would Rahm do?