Biden’S Son Works As Capitol Hill Lobbyist

The law firm Robert Hunter Biden co-founded has raked in over $1.7 million for its lobbying services this year alone. Biden’s Son Works As Capitol Hill LobbyistBy Cliff Montgomery – Aug. 28th, 2008Senator and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-IL) has worked to keep lobbyists away from his White House run. But his chosen running mate, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), has not been quite as demanding. In fact since 2001, his son Hunter has worked as a registered lobbyist for biotech companies and universities.The law firm Robert Hunter Biden co-founded–Oldaker Biden & Belair–has proudly raked in over $1.7 million for its lobbying services during the first half of 2008 alone, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP).Among the firm’s biggest lobbying clients this year?- The National Association of Shareholders & Consumer Attorneys, which has paid $160,000 for the law firm’s lobbying services;- Equifax Inc., a top private data collection company, which paid $140,000;- And the Adventist Health System–a hospital and nursing home group–which so far this year has shelled out $100,000 to Oldaker Biden & Belair, according to information obtained from CRP.Hunter Biden’s firm principally lobbies for various federal budget and appropriations matters, as well as for Health and Native American issues, states the CRP.To be fair, both Hunter Biden and papa Joe seem to have done their best to follow ethics rules regarding relatives of lawmakers who work as lobbyists.For instance, Hunter in 2006 ended his tenure with National Group–a full-time lobbying subsidiary of Biden’s firm–to ensure he was properly following new ethics rules which require lawmakers to verify that their appropriations provisions do not directly enrich family members.Senator Biden especially has worked to prove his adherence to at least the appearance of decency. He personally supported a recent law which outlaws lawmakers’ staff from directly dealing with any lobbyist who also is a family member of their boss.But the senator’s son has not completely escaped controversy. Two lawsuits charge both Hunter and Sen. Joe Biden’s brother, James, with defrauding an old business associate, according to the CRP.And prior to being a lobbyist for National Group, Hunter Biden had served as the senior vice president of MBNA Corp., a credit card corporation which also just happens to be Senator Joe Biden’s largest all-time contributor, giving the lawmaker over $214,000 in donations through the years.Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!