Washington Insiders' New Firm Consults on Contracts in Iraq

Josh Marshall broke this story a few days ago (presumably with an assist from a recent article by Hill colleague Michael Gerber) but I didn't take special note of it until he pointed out this Times article today.

A group of businessmen linked by their close ties to President Bush, his family and his administration have set up a consulting firm to advise companies that want to do business in Iraq, including those seeking pieces of taxpayer-financed reconstruction projects.

The firm, New Bridge Strategies, is headed by Joe M. Allbaugh, Mr. Bush's campaign manager in 2000 and the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency until March. Other directors include Edward M. Rogers Jr., vice chairman, and Lanny Griffith, lobbyists who were assistants to the first President George Bush and now have close ties to the White House.

At a time when the administration seeks Congressional approval for $20.3 billion to rebuild Iraq, part of an $87 billion package for military and other spending in Iraq and Afghanistan, the company's Web site, www.newbridgestrategies.com, says, "The opportunities evolving in Iraq today are of such an unprecedented nature and scope that no other existing firm has the necessary skills and experience to be effective both in Washington, D.C., and on the ground in Iraq."

I don't normally have a problem with ex-Administration types starting up a consulting company like this, which is why I didn't make much of Josh's original piece. I assumed they had some expertise in the area, and I wouldn't normally see any harm in their making a living off that expertise, as long as they aren't in a position to actively influence the decision making process. But these guys don't seem to have any expertise in anything but working for the Bush family.

I'm not sure there's anything truly nefarious about this and I don't imagine this will turn into anything huge, but it's another little chip in the facade. Those chips are adding up.