DC Politics Corruption

Posted on July 15, 2013 by novahockey

The Post ran a profile about a local businessman/fundraiser, Jeffrey Thompson (who calls himself “The Governor”), who has been ensnared in a fundraising and/or abuse of power scandal. It relates to the recent mayoral campaign and contracts for Medicaid managed care plans. It’s a good look at a local corruption story. This, however, jumped out.

Once, during a fundraiser, Thompson held court at the Hay-Adams hotel, according to a political consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing federal investigation. “I walked in, and there was Jeff at the head of the table. Beautiful china. All of a sudden, ding, ding, ding,” the consultant said, hitting a plate with a knife to demonstrate. “He had on a top hat — I swear. He took it off and said, ‘Gentlemen.’ He passed the hat around, and people filled it with checks.”

I have to point out that is clearly a breach of etiquette. One’s top hat is checked upon entry to the establishment.

Full story

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How to Petition for the Redress of Grievances

Posted on November 19, 2012 by novahockey

The Post ran a Style-section article on lobbying.

I thought I’d pass this along. The key point is the importance of understanding the Hill’s culture and developing relationships. That’s tough for someone like me, as I’m such an introvert that it doesn’t come naturally. Not shy (necessarily) but the ability work a room full of strangers is draining. Others I know just feed off that. I’m much better at going into an office and talking policy and proposed solutions. But even that’s tough, until I realized, that “oh crap, I know this stuff better than anybody here. And I don’t know shit!”

But it’s relationships and trust that make this work or not, and if I can’t do that I wonder if this is the best fit for me. But the strategy, and the rules and knowing what’s happening is a lot of fun.

K street

Filed under: lobbying | 4 Comments »