WASHINGTON (CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama, who campaigned on lessening the influence of lobbyists in government, has chosen a defense expert who is currently a vice president and lobbyist for one of the country's biggest defense contractors to be his deputy secretary of defense.
Obama's transition office announced that William Lynn, an undersecretary of defense in President Bill Clinton's second term, is nominated to Defense Secretary Robert Gates' deputy.
Lynn is currently a senior vice president at Raytheon, which has billions of dollars in Defense Department contracts and is the maker of the Army's Patriot Missile system and the Tomahawk missile used by the Navy. The company is also developing a global positioning satellite communication system with the Air Force.
As deputy secretary, Lynn would be involved in the process of budgeting and acquisitions, in addition to running the day-to-day operations of the Defense Department.
Obama's transition office acknowledged that appointing a lobbyist did not, on the face of it, seem in line with the president-elect's ethics stance but that Lynn's qualifications and the recommendations that came from both Republicans and Democrats made him the top candidate.
"Because Mr. Lynn came so highly recommended from experts across the political spectrum, the president-elect felt it was critical that he fill this position," said Obama transition spokesman Tommy Vietor.
Vietor said Lynn and the transition team would create guidelines that would fit the ethics standards of the new administration.
"We are aware that Mr. Lynn lobbied for Raytheon and are working with Mr. Lynn to craft a role for him that is consistent with the president-elect's high standards while balancing the need to fill this critical national security position," Vietor said.
During the campaign, candidate Obama took a hard stance against the influence of lobbyists in Washington. His campaign Web site included a promise that "no political appointees in an Obama-Biden administration will be permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years."
Creating that distance could be difficult given that Gates, who was appointed by President Bush, is making cutting the Pentagon budget a priority and Lynn would be involved at some level.
The announcement noted that Lynn's experience both in the public and private sector means he can make "the tough choices necessary to ensure that American tax dollars are spent wisely."
Lynn's supporters, including Sen. Jack Reed, R-Rhode Island, and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts - whom Lynn worked for on Capital Hill - said in statements that Lynn's experience both in public and private sector make him a strong candidate.
"He's a proven leader in both the public and private sectors of the national security community and his previous service in the Department uniquely qualify him to help the Department run more efficiently and effectively," said Kennedy.
The transition office also announced other Defense Department nominations, including former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Robert Hale for undersecretary of defense and Michele Flournoy, who was part of Obama's Pentagon transition team, for the undersecretary devoted to policy. Gates interviewed Lynn and the other appointments, according to the Pentagon
spokesman.
"He interviewed each of them, came away impressed with their personal character and professional credentials, and recommended the president-elect hire them," said spokesman Geoff Morrell.
From CNN Politics
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Forget ethics, Bill Clinton said so.
Can she just go away quietly....please!
Well, here come the republicans. If all you can say day after day is Bush kept us safe for seven years-then you need to shut up. I'm sure after JUST four (4) years Obama supporters will be able to say Obama and his staff did much more good than that. Go ahead and criticize this move it doesn't change my opinion any.
Have a nice day.
What happened to no lobbyists?
What's that old saying? "keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer!" I got me a feeling....
TWO FACE
As an Obama supporter .. I acknowledge this as a broken promise .. would there be more to come .... sure .. it's to be expected to matter who won ..
Probably the only liberal he could find with experience in national defense.
LOL....Obama's been going back on his 'change' theme since the campaign...the problem is the media are in the trenches for him and they failed to do their jobs. I love the way he tries to justify it.
I'm sure he can spin his way out of this and still have all the support and admiration of his followers.
HOPE and CHANGE
Mr.President elect has his blind ambition in full force. However he
has limited chioces due to the "system"! The loyal opposition will
be a thorn in his side no matter what he does!
Kissin their behinds won't work either! Lynn former lobbyist is part
of the "system" but K-Street over the past 9 yrs has mostly allowed
only republican lobbyist. So the lobby system is rigged from the get!
I'm alittle concerned that Mr. President elect is not practicing what
he's preachin about a "Change of Attitudes" awhile keeping folks
in his Adminstration who are & were the perpetual gatekeepers
of our current HELL. Don't have to be from Harvard to know this!
We'll be watching closely!
GO OBAMA!! WE THE PEOPLE SUPPORT YOU!!
Change??? What a bunch of morons! There will be a lot of brown envelopes changing hands.
This is just getting to be"TOO FUNNY"--So far, Obama has brought back the Clinton people,Chicago Democratic Machine,lobbyist,and left wing extremist to his "CHANGE" administration.
The jokes on us.
For all you haters, you can't say anything because he already mooted your coming points. He picked a HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND BI-PARTISAN RECOMMENDED person. Obama wins and you all lose. HAHAHA
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YES!
Change you can believe in!
This disappoints me. I strongly supported Obama in the election but this is the kind of thing he campaigned against. He does need to put people in with experience and unfortunately the only ones who are the most qualified in reality are often lobbyists or those of former administrations.
this is a man of his worlds....yep...not politics as usual...dont want to be labeled racist by saying anything else....
Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder if PE Obama is really the 'one' picking ... you know he did have a boys club meeting yesterday....lol....this seems so contrary to what he spoke of...surprises me...
What's the explanation?
I noticed that the Obama supporters are notably absent from this forum. I wonder why.
"Change has come to America."
Sure thing BHO.
If everyone would have listened to Sean Hannity, this clown would never have gotten elected. He warned about the Chicago connection and devious Chicago politics. But I guess the hope dope was too strong.
Now he is going against all of his stupid rhetoric that you people ate right out of his hand. I guess the joke is on you. Four years of this guy will drive this country into the ground.
Hope and change oh yeah here it comes.
I was never a fan of George Bush but I wish we had him back.
So this is the change we can believe in. What a loser!!! Let's bring in new people with new ideas, I thought was what was preached during the campaign.
sounds like he has the expert experience Obama wants & needs, I have confidence in Obama to make the right choice, he has put together a strong cabinet & I am satisified with all his picks, hopefully he will be able to get something done that is long over due.
Do you people not read or do you just react with the same negative refrain with every blog?
Gates "interviewed each of them" was impressed with their character, professional credentials and recommended PE Obama hire them".
I realize that key information is in the final paragraph to incite you people but the article isn't really that long.
boy am i glad i didn't vote for change because if i had i would really be mad. this is just l992 clinton repeat! ya'll might as well have elected bill clinton again, all the gang is back. the next four years are going to be fun to watch as the sleeze starts up and the fighting for control heats up. obama will rue the day he let all the clinonistas in his cabinet – they are all out to be sure he is ruined so hillary can run and beat him in 2012. it's good enough for the dems – destroy each other and we will pick up the pieces in 2010!!!
UGH! Is K Street getting to him already?
Please, keep your promise and send all lobbyists away somewhere. They made enough $$$ under W.
Come on libs, time to hop on and explain away your hero and his latest HORRIBLE pick (see Panetta, Richardson, Holder) as I thought he hated Lobbyists, ooooooops.
Change was and is a slogan to sway the college aged "children" who fell for that phony as all hell mantra.
These same geniuses are the ones that in exit polls did not know who the Secretary of state or the Speaker of the house or incredibly, who William Ayers was, how to stay up on what's important.
But he speaks so nice (ONLY with a binkyprompter, please Google – Obama – teleprompter – Asthma – Gaffe and have a good look at Mr. Speaker in chief).
Imploding before even taking office, and EVEN Democrats are hammering him on taxes, his picks, his lack of details.
Get ready to defend at all costs in 1,2,3
Read the final paragraph you naysayers...the HE in the paragraph is Defence Minister Robert Gates....who interviewed all the people in the article and RECOMMENDED PE Obama hire them.
As usual CNN an inflammatory headline whicch doesn't truly reflect the contents of the article.
I have been behind all of President Elect Obamas picks .....until this one.
This guy has a HUGE conflict of interest!
We've already had one Cheney..........so lets not make the same mistake twice.
"Obama, who campaigned on lessening the influence of lobbyists in government, has chosen a defense expert who is currently a vice president and lobbyist for one of the country's biggest defense contractors to be his deputy secretary of defense."
He's not even in office yet and he's back tracking on his campaign promises. I think Obama needs to create an Apologist cabinet post for his administration so to explain away his Changes or lack of Change
I often wonder why all these Clinton people. Are there are no other qualified people out there other than the people from the Clinton Administration? I am really disappointed.
No suprise to those us that didn't believe the hype of change and hope!
Imagine if a republican would have selected a lobbyists how the liberals would be screaming and crying.
This confirms that those that believed the hype have been used by the "magic" one to continue politics as usual. NO CHANGE HERE!
Enjoy it as your hope for 8 years just went to 4 years!!!!!
Hey! Let's lessen the influence of lobbyists on government. Let's hire them instead!
- Barack
I don't like this choice at all. I don't care how qualified he is, he has a huge conflict of interest.
I have great faith in PE Obama's choices, only he knows who is really qualified for these positions and he feels they can do a good job...he knows we will be watching and expect nothing less than honest government.
haha...so, he's not going to tolerate lobbyists...huh? I gues he didn't mention he'd hire one!
Franklin in SC January 8th, 2009 8:30 pm ET
Probably the only liberal he could find with experience in national defense.
haha- good one!
'Puff' and 'empty heads' should have read the entire article. But that would not have been like them.
Unlike the "Decider" not listening to advice, Obama took the recommendation of Gates. The choice of following the advice of Hannity or of Gates would be a no brainer to everyone but Puff.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Oh, if this isn't wonderful. He hasn't taken the oath of office and he's already going back on his word. And he should. His word was moronic. Who cares if this guy was a lobbyist if hes the best for the job? Obama's whole campaign was built on insane promises and hand waving trickery, it's nice to see he's not a total fool (even if it makes him a hypocrite).
Looks to me like some Dumbocrats are beginning to see the light.
Obama – Change – please. The snake oil salesman.
First he essentially reinstates Clinton's entire staff. That's fine with me, but hardly change for the Obama cultists. For all his talk, Obama really does lack imagination.
And now a fox in the chicken coop. I love this. Obama attacked McCain for having lobbyists on his campaign team. Obama makes McCain look like a Boy Scout leader!
I'm just thankful we have all those Clinton Administration graduates. They know what they're doing, even if this clown doesn't.
And they'll watch the former lobbyist like a group of savvy hawks!
TO:A woman in California For Obama
January 8th, 2009 8:09 pm ET
Well, here come the republicans. If all you can say day after day is Bush kept us safe for seven years-then you need to shut up. I'm sure after JUST four (4) years Obama supporters will be able to say Obama and his staff did much more good than that. Go ahead and criticize this move it doesn't change my opinion any.
Nothing other than your family member or you being injured or killed by a terrorist,like the thousands in New York on 9/11,will change your biased ,selfish opinion about "Bush kept us safe for seven years"
the gop'ers need to take a chill pill.
W ran as a "Washington outsider " in 2000, and then made many appointments to defense to include secretary of the Army from the ranks of Enron.
Puff what are u smokin! Wow we are scared of you man!
You wish the dummy was back? Hopefully Daschle will get
confirmed cuz he supports more mental health facilities in rural
areas thru-out the Country.
You'll have an opportunity to get well soon!
I always new that he / Obama/ is fake!!!!
But how much fake, I still do not know!
TCM January 8th, 2009 10:12 pm ET
haha…so, he's not going to tolerate lobbyists…huh? I gues he didn't mention he'd hire one!
__________________________________________________
And were not going tolerate Idiots. Move on I think bush needs some help packing. lololololol
Great pick Mr. President.
Buyer's remorse anyone?
To " A woman in CA for obama" What could possible be more important than the security of our country
It doesn't matter. Remember, Obama will speak to all the people who hate us and we will not need any defense. Fore love will abound throughout the world.
Now I must leave and tye dye some shirts and get an oil change in my VW van.
But don't worry I had my VW converted into a hybrid.
Hey, let's go easy here. Lobbyists stay away.
Well, if they knew everyone would know he's a lobbyist and they still picked him, that means his merits (expertise, etc.) outweighed all that. So those merits must be huge. Who knows, maybe they are, we'll see.
And as far as Republicans raising stink about this - well, everyone knows that, as far as Republicans are concerned, only Mark Foley qualifies to protect children and only David Duke qualifies to be their Senate candidate. So who should talk.
For the people out there attempting to shift the responsibility of this obvious deviation from the "No lobbyist in my administration" campaign rehtoric, to Gates who interviewed and made the candidate's recommendation, your are feebly trying to still believe in Obama. It doesn't matter WHO makes the recommendation, it still Obama's decision....hence it is Obama who is soley responsible for broken promises......which is absolutely no surprise since the guy has never had an original thought in his mind in the first place. This is just a rerun of the Clinton administration and for the record I did actually vote for Clinton, never voted for Bush in either election, but did not buy one word of this guy's promises to break from the Chicago political game. I live here in Chicagoland and I knew better than to believe it.
Sorry but you don't play games with national security, Obama can hire whoever he feels will do the best job.
I'm just thankful we have all those Clinton Administration graduates. They know what they're doing, even if this clown doesn't.
------------------–
Are you sure about that? He's the one nominating them. All you people who are saying that you're glad you didn't vote for change sure don't mind having voted for the worst president in US history. Take your advice? I'd be crazy to.
I love how all the Obama-saviorites want to throw the article in our face about how Gates interviewed them. The choice is still Obama's and he hired a lobbyist. Raytheon is HUGE in military contracts....well, just what just got bigger. Gates was hired by a Republican, and Obama followed. Yep, change we can believe in. We get to change from 2009 to 1993 with Clinton back in office.
For the one in California....
President Bush = Country safe for 8 years, and 1.2 trillion dollar debt
President Elect Obama = Not in office yet, 1.2 trillion dollar stimulus....(yep, not even in office yet and he is costing us more money. Thanks to all you dumb liberal democrats that believed this guy was your saviour!
People who base their comments on half the information available make half-witted statements. Hiring a highly competent individual who happened to be a lobbyist at one point in his/her life isn't selling out to lobbyists. If PE BHO had asked lobbyists for their advice there would be room for complaint. Unfortunately there's a crowd for whom it's more rewarding to spew than to think.