FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 19, 2003
1:45  PM
CONTACT:  Project On Government Oversight
 Danielle Brian or Scott Amey (202) 347_1122
POGO calls for Senator Stevens’ Resignation
  WASHINGTON - December 19 - Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times exposed a long list of financial benefits that Senator Ted Stevens (R_AK) and his family members have received as a result of his policymaking decisions as the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This story is the most blatant example in recent history of a government official profiting from his power in public office,” stated Danielle Brian, POGO’s Executive Director. “We do not have confidence in any formal congressional proceedings, given Senator Stevens’ particularly powerful position. POGO therefore calls on Senator Stevens to take the honorable step and resign from office in an attempt to restore the integrity of the Senate.”

In September, Defense Week revealed a striking correlation between political contributions to Sen. Stevens from Boeing and his nearly immediate efforts to write legislation to mandate the since-disgraced Boeing tanker lease deal. According to Defense Week, “The provision was unusual in that it named the company and its product.” (John Donnelly, September 2, 2003, Volume 24, Number 34).

“To some, public service has become the equivalent of winning the lottery,” stated Brian. Darleen A. Druyun, a former top Air Force official and recently fired Boeing employee, is alleged to have entered into employment discussions with Boeing while she was supervising Boeing contracts. “It is time for the Congress to recognize that the proper arms-length relationship between the government and its contractors has been lost and that it must be restored,” Brian says.

In early 2004, POGO will release the “Politics of Contracting,” a report on the incestuous relationship between the government and its contractors. Please check www.pogo.org for more information.

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