Obama Sells Ambassadorships

President Barack Obama has picked three of his major campaign donors to fill diplomatic posts to Spain, Norway and the European Union.  The three new ambassadors bundled more than $1 million combined toward Obama’s election efforts.  Overall, they have contributed nearly $2 million to general candidates since 1989.  Alan D. Solomont, nursing home industry entrepreneur and former lobbyist is slated to become the newest U.S. ambassador to Spain.  Barry B. White, a partner at the law firm Foley Hoag, will be the new ambassador to Norway.  William E. Kennard, Carlyle Group executive and former Federal Communications Commission chairman is Obama’s choice to be U.S. representative to the European Union, a position that carries the rank of ambassador.  Solomont along with his family has donated about $1.8 million since 1989 all of which has gone to Democrats.  White has contributed about $103,000 since 1989, of which 98 percent has gone toward Democrats.  Kennard has contributed about $67,000 to Democrats since 1989.  The president’s ambassadorial announcements come after a relative lull in news of ambassador picks with money-in-politics connections.
Title: Obama Elevates Three More Bundlers & Big Donors in Latest Ambassador Picks

Author: Michael Beckel,Source: Center for Responsive Politics at OpenSecrets.org, August 7, 2009http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/08/obamas-elevates-three-more-big.html

Student Researcher: Jenna Stiver

Faculty Evaluator: Rick LuttmannSonoma State University

Tags: Alan D. Solomont, ambassador, Ambassador Picks, Barack, Barry B. White, campaign, campaign donors, carlyle group, election, election efforts, european, faculty evaluator, foley hoag, home, Jenna Stiver, Michael Beckel, new ambassador, new ambassadors, Norway, nursing, Obama, opensecrets org, President, relative lull, Spain, student researcher, U.S., Unión, William E. Kennard