Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
EDITORIAL: Tommy's better off, financially
Access provides return on investment for employers.
THE WHITE HOUSE keys will belong to someone else after the 2008 election, not to former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. After a weak showing in Iowa's straw poll Thompson decided he'd had enough and called it quits.
No doubt, it was the right decision. His chances were slim when he declared his candidacy, and had not improved much after months of campaigning.
Hanging on would have been costly. Contributions flow to candidates showing upward momentum. All Thompson had to look forward to was debt.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS filed with the Federal Election Commission make it clear Thompson can blaze a much smoother trail in the private sector. The former governor earned $4.6 million during the past year.
More than half a million came from speaking fees, at up to nearly $30,000 for an event.
But Thompson also pocketed big money for connections and consulting fees to major companies like Novartis and Deloitte & Touche.
It's doubtful Thompson has become a cubicle slave. He's paid for his stature and access to the powerful in government. Companies with deep pockets expect a return on investment, that Thompson can make sure their pleas are heard in the halls of power.
THAT'S THE WAY it works these days in the relationship between private capital and politics. Well-connected former officials can cash in handsomely.
There's nothing illegal about it, by the way. And we don't blame Tommy Thompson for finding his market value and making lucrative business arrangements. He spent decades serving the people of Wisconsin, and most of that time his pay was nothing to brag about. He was better compensated as a member of President Bush's Cabinet, but still not on a grand scale. Who can fault the ex-governor for maximizing his earning potential upon re-entering the private sector?
The fat bank account should be a nice consolation for the failed White House bid.
THOMPSON GIVES those who have employed him a decent return on investment, by being able to pick up a phone and see that a message is heard at decision-making levels. In business, that's an effective form of networking. Like it or not, the world turns on relationships.
As a public official, it would be illegal and unethical to take money for influencing policy.
As a private citizen, it's just smart business.
THE WHITE HOUSE keys will belong to someone else after the 2008 election, not to former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. After a weak showing in Iowa's straw poll Thompson decided he'd had enough and called it quits.
No doubt, it was the right decision. His chances were slim when he declared his candidacy, and had not improved much after months of campaigning.
Hanging on would have been costly. Contributions flow to candidates showing upward momentum. All Thompson had to look forward to was debt.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS filed with the Federal Election Commission make it clear Thompson can blaze a much smoother trail in the private sector. The former governor earned $4.6 million during the past year.
More than half a million came from speaking fees, at up to nearly $30,000 for an event.
But Thompson also pocketed big money for connections and consulting fees to major companies like Novartis and Deloitte & Touche.
It's doubtful Thompson has become a cubicle slave. He's paid for his stature and access to the powerful in government. Companies with deep pockets expect a return on investment, that Thompson can make sure their pleas are heard in the halls of power.
THAT'S THE WAY it works these days in the relationship between private capital and politics. Well-connected former officials can cash in handsomely.
There's nothing illegal about it, by the way. And we don't blame Tommy Thompson for finding his market value and making lucrative business arrangements. He spent decades serving the people of Wisconsin, and most of that time his pay was nothing to brag about. He was better compensated as a member of President Bush's Cabinet, but still not on a grand scale. Who can fault the ex-governor for maximizing his earning potential upon re-entering the private sector?
The fat bank account should be a nice consolation for the failed White House bid.
THOMPSON GIVES those who have employed him a decent return on investment, by being able to pick up a phone and see that a message is heard at decision-making levels. In business, that's an effective form of networking. Like it or not, the world turns on relationships.
As a public official, it would be illegal and unethical to take money for influencing policy.
As a private citizen, it's just smart business.
 |
||
| On this date... |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
Submit a Comment
Login below to post your comment. |
Not yet a member? Use the form below to register. |
