News Release

Austin, TX:  At least 23 of Governor George W. Bush’s “Pioneers” are either registered lobbyists or head industry trade groups that lobby government. These individuals—who have bundled a minimum of $100,000 each for Bush’s presidential campaign—already have delivered at least $2.3 million to Bush’s presidential effort.

Bush, who recently reinvented himself as a self-styled reformer, has criticized opponent John McCain for accepting contributions from registered lobbyists.

“Bush is the crown prince of special-interest fundraising,” said Craig McDonald, director of Texans for Public Justice.  “Most of the $41 million he raised as governor of Texas came from industry groups that want favors from government.”

“To call George W. Bush a reformer is like calling Al Capone a country gentleman,” said McDonald.

The 23 Bush Pioneers who serve as lobbyists are:

1. Joe B. Allen, Houston, TX   Lobbyist, Vinson & Elkins.
2. Anthony J. Alexander, Akron, OH  Chair, Ohio Electric Utility; Exec.VP Ohio Edison Co.
3. Paul Anderson, Deerfield Beach, FL VP Government Relations, JM Family Enterprises.
4. Jorge L. Arrizurieta, Fort Lauderdale, FL  Public Affairs Director, Huizenga Holdings, Inc
5. Wayne L. Berman, Washington, DC Lobbyist, Berman Enterprises Inc
6. James J. Blosser, Ft. Lauderdale, FL  Lobbyist, Poole & McKinley
7. Bill Ceverha, Dallas, TX  Registered  Texas Lobbyist, former state legislator.
8. Martha Fallgatter, Bakersfield, CA Hill & Knowlton consultant; Vice President of    Regulatory Affairs, ARB, Inc.
9. Marty Fiorentino, Jacksonville, FL  VP of Communications, CSX Transportation
10. Tim Hammonds, Washington, DC  President/Lobbyist, Food Marketing Institute
11. Mike Hightower, Jacksonville, FL Blue Cross Blue Shield of Fla. lobbyist; Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Chair
12. Gaylord Hughey, Tyler, TX, Lobbyist, Pioneer Concrete
13. Thomas Johnson, Austin, TX  Exec. Director, Associated General Contractors of Texas
14. Tom Kuhn, Potomac, MD  President, Edison Electric Institute
15. Tom Loeffler, San Antonio, TX   Attorney, Arter & Hadden.
16. Robert Martinez, Tampa, FL   Managing Director, Carlton Fields
17. Andrea McWilliams, Austin, TX,  Registered Texas Lobbyist
18. David A. Metzner, VA  Lobbyist, American Continental Group
19. Steve Minikes, Washington, DC  Lobbyist, Thelan, Reed & Priest
20. Erle Nye,  Dallas, TX  CEO/Lobbyist Texas Utilities
21. Bud (Allan) Shivers Jr., Austin, TX  President, Texans for Quality Health Care; spokesman for Texans for Lawsuit Reform
22. Peter Terpeluk Jr., Washington, DC  Lobbyist, American Continental Group.
23. Frederick L Webber, VA  CEO/president/lobbyist, Chemical Manufacturers Association

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