Monday, August 16, 2010
9:28 AM
Obey the only Wis. congressman to receive contributions from embattled ex-lobbyist
Retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Obey received $4,000 from an indicted former lobbyist and his family members in 2002 and 2003, according to California-based campaign finance watchdog MAPLight.org.
The Wausau Democrat and House Appropriations chairman, who's departing Congress next year after more than 40 years in the House, received a $1,000 contribution in 2003 from former Appropriations Defense Subcommittee staffer Paul Magliocchetti, the founder of Virginia-based lobbying firm PMA Group Inc.
Magliocchetti, 64, was charged in federal court earlier this month with making illegal campaign contributions and making false statements. The FBI raided and shut down PMA last year, and the indictment alleges Magliocchetti used straw donors in pay-to-play schemes, often involving earmarks for his clients.
Magliocchetti's son, Mark, has given a total of $2,000 to Obey. The 34-year old has pleaded guilty to one count of making illegal campaign contributions, and identified his father as the source of the campaign finance scheme.
The ex-lobbyist's wife, Nancy, also gave $1,000 to the Wausau congressman. Obey was the only member of the Wisconsin delegation to receive contributions from PMA-affiliated donors.
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