NEW DSCC ADS: Roy Blunt’s a Washington Insider Who Looks Out For Himself, Not Missouri

PERSON 1: How mad am I? Mad.

PERSON 2: Really, really mad!

PERSON 3: I’m so mad and fed up with these career politicians!

BLUNT IS A CAREER POLITICIAN

National Review: “Blunt Is The Textbook Image Of A Washington Insider” Who Has “Been In Congress For Two Decades.” “Blunt remains favored, but he is plagued by the realities of the cycle. In a year when voters have exhibited an inclination to reject Washington, D.C., Blunt is the textbook image of a Washington insider. The 66-year-old incumbent has been in Congress for two decades, first in the House, where he served in leadership as the Republican whip, and then in the Senate, a seat he won in 2010. When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell comes to the microphones to speak to reporters for his weekly press conference, Blunt, as the vice chair of the Senate Republican conference, is part of his retinue.”  [National Review, 9/22/16]

·         Blunt Entered Politics At Age 23 And Spent 19 Years In Local And State Offices Before Election To Congress. “Longtime politician. Starting at age 23, he spent 19 years in local and state offices in Missouri and then, after a brief pause, won election to Congress 10 years ago.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/26/06]

·         Blunt Served Three Terms As Greene County Clerk. “Back in Springfield, county commissioners tapped Blunt over five other nominees to replace the retiring A.E. Willis, 50 years Blunt’s senior. When a newspaper reporter asked if Blunt’s youth might be an issue with voters, he demurred: ‘Maybe this is the trend in the party.’ It was. Greene Countians elected him clerk three times.” [Kansas City Star, 10/2/10]

·         Blunt Became Secretary Of State Of Missouri In 1985. “In 1985 Blunt became Missouri’s first Republican secretary of state in 56 years. He replaced a fixture, James Kirkpatrick, who was first elected to the job when Blunt was 14. Blunt won near-universal praise for modernizing the department, which included setting up computer-linked branch offices and allowing staff to take leave for childbirth, adoption or other family concerns. He pushed for Missourians’ right to vote in their first presidential preference primary even when GOP leaders preferred anointing candidates through the caucus system.” [Kansas City Star, 10/2/10]

·         Blunt Has Been A Washington DC Politician Since 1997. Blunt was “elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses,” beginning his service on January 3, 1997. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Roy Blunt, Accessed 9/14/16]

·         Blunt Spent Only 3 Years Out Of Public Office From 1994 – 1997. “But he was active in politics at an early age, working in 1972 on an unsuccessful congressional bid by Republican John Ashcroft. A year later, Blunt was appointed the Greene County clerk by Republican Gov. Christopher S. Bond. Blunt won the first of two terms as Missouri secretary of state in 1984. After losing the gubernatorial primary in 1992, Blunt accepted the presidency of his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University. He jumped back into public life when GOP Rep. Mel Hancock announced his retirement in 1996. Blunt cruised to victory and was easily re-elected in succeeding years.”[CQ Member Profile, 6/8/15]

PERSON 4: Like Roy Blunt. He’s been in Washington for 20 years.

BLUNT HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF CONGRESS FOR 20 YEARS

Blunt Has Been A Washington DC Politician Since 1997. Blunt was “elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses,” beginning his service on January 3, 1997. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Roy Blunt, Accessed 9/14/16]

PERSON 3: Roy Blunt has voted himself twelve pay raises.

PERSON 5: That makes me mad.

PERSON 6: I wish I could vote myself a pay raise.

BLUNT VOTED TO INCREASE HIS OWN PAY 12 TIMES

2010: Blunt Voted Against The FY 2011 Continuing Apportions Bill. In December 2010, Blunt voted against: “Obey, D-Wis., motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill. The Senate amendment would continue most appropriations at fiscal 2010-enacted levels through March 4, 2011. The measure would provide an overall annualized spending rate that is $1.16 billion more than fiscal 2010 levels. It would provide additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Pell grants. It also would allow the awarding of a Navy contract for shipbuilding of Littoral Combat Ships to multiple suppliers.” The bill passed 193- 165.” [CQ, 12/21/10; HR 3082, Vote 662, 12/21/10]

·         CNN Money: The Bill Included A “Two-Year Freeze In Pay For Federal Workers.” “With a government shutdown looming, Congress approved a temporary spending bill late Tuesday that will fund the government for another 10 weeks. […] While a continuing resolution puts government spending on autopilot, the version under consideration does include some adjustments to spending levels, including the two-year freeze in pay for federal workers that President Obama called for in November. And the measure will leave key Democratic legislative victories — like health care and financial reform — with less funding than if the massive $1.1 trillion “omnibus” extension killed by Republicans last week had passed.” [CNN Money, 12/21/10]

·         Congressional Research Service: The 2011 Continuing Appropriations Bill, P.L. 111-322, Prevented A 1.3% Member Pay Increase. Additionally, P.L. 111-322 prevented any adjustment in GS base pay before December 31, 2012. Since the percentage adjustment in Member pay may not exceed the percentage adjustment in the base pay of GS employees, Member pay was also frozen during this period. If not limited by GS pay, Member pay could have been adjusted by 1.3% in 2012. […] Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Denying or Delaying Pay Adjustments, Enacted Dates, and Pay Language: […] 2012 H.R. 3082, 111th Congress P.L. 111-322 December 22, 2010 Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011k.” [Congressional Research Service, “Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables,” 2/23/16]

Feb. 2009: Blunt Voted Against Incorporating A Provision Into An Appropriations Bill Blocking The Automatic Cost-Of-Living Adjustment For Members Of Congress In 2010. In February 2010, Blunt voted against: “Adoption of the rule (H Res 184) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide fiscal 2009 appropriations for federal departments and agencies covered by nine unfinished fiscal 2009 spending bills. The rule contains self-executing language, that upon adoption, would incorporate a provision to block the automatic cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress in 2010.” The rule was adopted by a 398-24 vote. [CQ, 2/25/09; H.Res. 184, Vote 85, 2/25/09]

Jun. 2007: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $43.9 Billion In FY2008 For The Treasury Department, OPM, Other Agencies, And Washington, D.C. In June 2007, Blunt voted for a: “Matsui, D-Calif., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 517), with an amendment, to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $43.9 billion in fiscal 2008 for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Personnel Management and other agencies, and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 244-181 vote. [CQ, 6/27/07; H.R. 517, Vote 580, 6/27/07]

• Associated Press: “Despite Record-Low Approval Ratings, House Lawmakers […] Voted To Accept An Approximately $4,400 Pay Raise That Will Increase Their Salaries To Almost $170,000.” “Despite record-low approval ratings, House lawmakers Wednesday voted to accept an approximately $4,400 pay raise that will increase their salaries to almost $170,000. The cost-of-living raise gets lawmakers back on track for automatic pay raises after a fight between Democrats and Republicans last year and again in January killed the pay hike due this year. That was the first interruption of the annual congressional pay hike in seven years. The blowup came after Democrats last year fulfilled a campaign promise to deny themselves a pay hike until Congress raised the minimum wage. Delays in the minimum wage bill cost every lawmaker about $3,100 this year. On a 244-181 vote Wednesday, Democrats and Republicans alike killed a bid by Reps. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Lee Terry, R-Neb., to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it. The Senate has not indicated when it will deal with a similar measure.” [Associated Press, 6/28/07]

Jun. 2006: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Provide FY2007 Funding For The Transportation Department, Treasury, And Department Of Housing And Urban Development, As Well As The Judiciary And Washington D.C. In June 2006, Blunt voted for a: “L. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 865) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide fiscal 2007 funding for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 249-167 vote. [CQ, 6/13/06; H.Res. 865, Vote 261, 6/13/06]

• Associated Press: “Despite Record Low Approval Ratings, House Lawmakers Tuesday Embraced A $3,300 Pay Raise That Will Increase Their Salaries To $168,500. “Despite record low approval ratings, House lawmakers Tuesday embraced a $3,300 pay raise that will increase their salaries to $168,500. The 2 percent cost-of-living raise would be the seventh straight for members of the House and Senate. Lawmakers easily squelched a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it.” [Associated Press, 6/14/06]

Jun. 2005: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Provide $139.1 Billion In FY2006 For The Departments Of Transportation, Treasury, And Housing And Urban Development, As Well As The Judiciary And Washington, D.C. In June 2005, Blunt voted for a: “L. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 342) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide $139.1 billion in fiscal 2006 for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 263-152 vote. [CQ, 6/28/05; H.Res. 342, Vote 327, 6/28/05]

• The House Voted To Raise Pay By $3,100, Which Increased Congressional Salary To $165,200. “The House on Tuesday agreed to a $3,100 pay raise for Congress next year – to $165,200 – after defeating an effort to roll it back. In a 263-152 vote, the House blocked a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to force an up-or-down vote on the pay raise. Instead, lawmakers will automatically receive the raise – officially a cost of living adjustment – as provided for in a 1989 law that barred them from pocketing big speaking fees in exchange for an annual COLA.” [Associated Press, 6/28/05]

Sep. 2004: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $89.8 Billion In FY2005 For The Departments Of Treasury And Transportation And Related Agencies. In September 2004, Blunt voted for a: “Reynolds, R-N.Y., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 770) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $89.8 billion in fiscal 2005 for the departments of Treasury and Transportation and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 235-170 vote. [CQ, 9/14/04; H.Res. 770, Vote 451, 9/14/04]

• Associated Press: House Members Voted To Raise Their Pay $4,000. “With little debate, House lawmakers on Tuesday included themselves as part of a pay raise that all federal employees will receive next year. The cost-of-living raise would be the sixth straight for members of the House and Senate, boosting the salaries of lawmakers, now $158,100, by about $4,000 in the new calendar year.” [Associated Press, 9/15/04]

Sep. 2003: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $89.6 Billion In FY2004 Spending, Including $27.5 Billion In Discretionary Spending For The Departments Of Treasury And Transportation And Related Agencies. In September 2003, Blunt voted for a: “Reynolds, R-N.Y., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 351) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $89.6 billion in fiscal 2004 spending, including $27.5 billion in discretionary spending, for the departments of Treasury and Transportation and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 235-170 vote. [CQ, 9/4/03; H.Res. 351, Vote 463, 9/4/03]

• The Bill Raised Congressional Members’ Pay By About $3,300, For An Annual Salary Of $158,000. “It’s become something of an annual ritual: Rep. Jim Matheson standing up before Congress and scolding it for giving itself an automatic pay raise. But Matheson and those who agreed with him, including Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, lost when the House voted 240-173 not to allow Matheson’s call for a direct vote on the raises. ‘Surprisingly,’ said Matheson, ‘I stand up and speak out, and nobody else says anything.’ Matheson was trying to halt a raise that would increase members’ pay by about $3,300 a year, from the current $154,700 to about $158,000 next year. The House members decided to allow themselves a fifth straight cost-of-living raise after rejecting them for several years during the 1990s. Their annual pay has risen from $136,700 in 1999 to about $158,000 in 2004, if the legislation clears Congress and is signed by the president.” [Associated Press, 9/5/03]

Jul. 2002: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Allocate $35.1 Billion In FY2003 Treasury-Postal Appropriations. In July 2002, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the resolution (H Res 488) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would allocate $35.1 billion in fiscal 2003 Treasury-Postal appropriations.” The motion was agreed to by a 258-156 vote. [CQ, 7/18/02; H.Res. 488, Vote 322, 7/18/02]

• House Members Voted To Raise Their Pay By $5,000 Per Year. “Lawmakers appear ready to give themselves another pay raise, their fourth in four years. If the raise, about $5,000 a year, goes into effect, rank-and-file members of Congress would receive $155,000, an increase of more than $20,000 over the past decade. Under a 1989 law, congressional pay raises, determined by a complicated formula that includes a measure of private industry employment costs, go into effect automatically unless lawmakers vote to block it. House lawmakers cleared the way Thursday for the salary hike.” [Associated Press, 7/19/02]

Jul. 2001: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $32.7 Billion In FY2002 For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, Independent Agencies, And Certain Offices In The Executive Office Of The President. In July 2001, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 206) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $32.7 billion in fiscal 2002 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, various offices of the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 293-129 vote. [CQ, 7/25/01; H.Res. 206, Vote 267, 7/25/01]

• The Vote Approved A 3.4% Pay Raise For Members Of Congress. “House members managed to dodge a vote Wednesday on an effort to stop their own cost-of-living pay raise. The 3.4 percent raise takes effect for all of Congress on Oct. 1 unless blocked. Several lawmakers sought to attach amendments stopping the raise to the annual appropriations bill for the Treasury Department, Postal Service and other government operations. That $32.7 billion bill also includes a 4.6 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees. But in a 293-129 procedural vote, the House refused to allow the amendments that would stop the pay raise to be considered. Under the scheduled raise, the pay of a rank-and-file member of Congress will rise from $145,100 to about $150,000. Majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate will see their pay go from $161,200 to about $166,700. The speaker of the House will get about $192,800, up from $186,300.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 7/26/01]

Jul. 2000: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $29.1 Billion In FY2001 For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, And Related Agencies. In July 2000, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 559) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill to appropriate $29.1 billion in fiscal 2001 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 250-173 vote. [CQ, 7/20/00; H.Res. 560, Vote 419, 7/20/00]

• Associated Press: “Members Of Congress Seem On The Road To Giving Themselves Their Third Cost-Of-Living Pay Raise In Four Years, A $3,800 Boost[.]” “Members of Congress seem on the road to giving themselves their third cost-of-living pay raise in four years, a $3,800 boost made less politically risky in this era of huge projected budget surpluses. On a 250-173 procedural vote, House opponents of the boost lost their opportunity to derail the increase Thursday. Under a law they passed in 1989, members of Congress automatically get a raise unless they vote to block it.” [Associated Press, 7/21/00]

Jul. 1999: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $28 Billion For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, And General Government Operations. In July 1999, Blunt voted for a: “Sessions, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question on adoption of the rule (HRes246) to provide for floor consideration of the bill to appropriate $28 billion for the Treasury Department, Postal Service, and general government operations.” The motion was agreed to by a 276-147 vote. [CQ, 7/15/99; H.Res. 246, Vote 300, 7/15/99]

• Chicago Sun-Times: “The House Voted Overwhelmingly […] To Give Members Of Congress A $4,600 Pay Raise In January And To Double The Next President’s Salary To $400,000.” “The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to give members of Congress a $ 4,600 pay raise in January and to double the next president’s salary to $ 400,000. Members voted 276-147 to increase their own pay and then 334-82 to reject an effort by conservatives to prevent the increase in the president’s pay.” [Chicago Sun-Times, 7/16/99]

Sep. 1997:  Blunt Voted To Block An Amendment To Block A Congressional Pay Raise. In 1997, Blunt voted in favor of a: “Hoyer, D-Md., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on the Hoyer motion to instruct conferees to increase funding for the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A ‘nay’ vote would have allowed Smith, R-Wash., to offer an amendment to block a cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress.” The motion passed 229-199. [CQ, 9/24/97; H.R. 2378, Vote 435, 9/24/97]

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Bill Cleared The Way For A $3,072 Cost Of Living Increase For Members Of Congress. “Congressional pay remains one of the hottest of hot-button issues for many voters, as Rep. Roy Blunt is finding out. Blunt is a Republican freshman in the House from Springfield, Mo., who voted in favor of measures that cleared the way for a $ 3,072 cost-of-living increase for members of Congress. The House passed the legislation Tuesday by a 220-207 vote, and the Senate approved it Wednesday 55-45, sending it to President Bill Clinton.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/1/97]

• A Blunt Spokesman Said Most Constituents Opposed The Pay Raise And Added, “Most People Believe Congress In General Isn’t Worth They Money They’re Getting. The Word I Keep Hearing Is ‘Disappointed.’” “Blunt said, ‘I believe keeping the current salary of Congress equal with the rate of inflation is the right thing, and a necessary thing to do to be able to attract people to seek congressional office in the future.’ While that may seem a persuasive argument to many, it’s apparently unpopular in southwest Missouri, where Blunt’s offices have received a large number of calls from disgruntled voters. Dan Wadlington, a spokesman for Blunt, said that, while some callers have been supportive, most have not. ‘Most people believe Congress in general isn’t worth the money they’re getting. The word I keep hearing is ‘disappointed.’’” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/1/97]

PERSON 7: Roy Blunt has been looking out for lobbyists not us.

PERSON 8: That makes me mad.

BLUNT’S LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS ALIGNED WITH HIS WIFE’S LOBBYING INTERESTS AT LEAST 18 TIMES

Blunt’s Legislative Positions Aligned With His Wife’s Lobbying Interests At Least 18 Times:

·         Morning Consult: Democrats Hit Blunt For Trying To Add A Pro-Tobacco Provision To A Bill That Would Have Benefited His Then-Girlfriend Who Lobbied For Philip Morris. “Democrats supporting Kander’s efforts have taken his cues. A commercial that began airing last week, sponsored by AFSCME and Majority Forward, hit Blunt for trying to add a pro-tobacco provision to the bill that created the Department of Homeland Security. The ad says the measure would have benefited Blunt’s then-girlfriend, Abigail Perlman, and son, Andy, who both worked for Phillip Morris at the time. (Andy now manages Blunt’s re-election campaign.)” [Morning Consult, 10/4/16]

·         Morning Consult: There Were “At Least 17 Other Times When Blunt’s Position On A Bill Aligned With The Position His Wife Was Being Paid To Advance.” “A review of congressional records and lobbying disclosure forms found at least 17 other times when Blunt’s position on a bill aligned with the position his wife was being paid to advance. That includes five measures that he co-sponsored, and all but one of the 17 took place within a year of her filing a disclosure form on those issues.” [Morning Consult, 10/4/16]

Morning Consult: “All But One Of The 17 Took Place Within A Year Of Her Filing A Disclosure Form On Those Issues.” “A review of congressional records and lobbying disclosure forms found at least 17 other times when Blunt’s position on a bill aligned with the position his wife was being paid to advance. That includes five measures that he co-sponsored, and all but one of the 17 took place within a year of her filing a disclosure form on those issues.” [Morning Consult, 10/4/16]

BLUNT TRIED TO INSERT PROVISION TO HELP PHILIP MORRIS INTO A HOMELAND SECURITY BILL WHILE HE WAS DATING HIS FUTURE WIFE, WHO WAS A LOBBYIST FOR THE COMPANY

Morning Consult: Democrats Hit Blunt For Trying To Add A Pro-Tobacco Provision To A Bill That Would Have Benefited His Then-Girlfriend Who Lobbied For Philip Morris. “Democrats supporting Kander’s efforts have taken his cues. A commercial that began airing last week, sponsored by AFSCME and Majority Forward, hit Blunt for trying to add a pro-tobacco provision to the bill that created the Department of Homeland Security. The ad says the measure would have benefited Blunt’s then-girlfriend, Abigail Perlman, and son, Andy, who both worked for Phillip Morris at the time. (Andy now manages Blunt’s re-election campaign.)” [Morning Consult, 10/4/16]

Washington Post: Blunt Tried To Insert Provision To Benefit Philip Morris Into DHS Bill Before Speaker Of The House “Quickly Had It Pulled Out.” “Only hours after Rep. Roy Blunt was named to the House’s third-highest leadership job in November, he surprised his fellow top Republicans by trying to quietly insert a provision benefiting Philip Morris USA into the 475-page bill creating a Department of Homeland Security, according to several people familiar with the effort. The new majority whip, who has close personal and political ties to the company, instructed congressional aides to add the tobacco provision to the bill — then within hours of a final House vote — even though no one else in leadership supported it or knew he was trying to squeeze it in.” [Washington Post, 6/11/03]

• Washington Post: Blunt “Has A Close Personal Relationship With A Washington Lobbyist For The Firm.” “Blunt has received large campaign donations from Philip Morris, his son works for the company in Missouri and the House member has a close personal relationship with a Washington lobbyist for the firm.” [Washington Post, 6/11/03]

·         Washington Post: “Several Republicans” Had “Privately Express Concern” That “Blunt Pushed The Provision Partly Because Of His Personal Relationship With Philip Morris Lobbyist Abigail Perlman.” “Several Republicans who learned of the November effort have privately expressed concern that Blunt pushed the provision partly because of his personal relationship with Philip Morris lobbyist Abigail Perlman. Blunt, who several Republicans said spends considerable time with Perlman, would not discuss their relationship or whether the two had talked about the provision.” [Washington Post, 6/11/03]

BLUNT WAS CRITICIZED FOR WORKING BEHIND-THE-SCENES TO INSERT A PROVISION INTO A IRAQ WAR FUNDING BILL THAT BENEFITTED ONE OF HIS SON’S LOBBYING CLIENTS

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial: Blunt Was “Instrumental” In Amending Wartime Appropriations Bill To Benefit Companies Like UPS, About The Same Time UPS Hired Andrew Blunt As A Lobbyist. “Also in 2003, Roy Blunt was instrumental in amending the Iraq appropriation to benefit U.S.-based freight companies, including UPS. This was about the same time UPS decided it needed a lobbyist on retainer in Jefferson City; it hired Andrew Blunt.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Editorial, 11/28/04]

• UPS Was One Of Andy Blunt’s Lobbying Clients. “Among the hordes of lobbyists that have descended upon the state Capitol this legislative session is one relatively new face with a prominent political pedigree. Andy Blunt, son of U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt and brother of Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt, has been trolling the Capitol halls as an advocate for some of the nation’s most influential corporate interests. At age 26, Andy Blunt’s client list includes such big hitters as Philip Morris, Miller Brewing Co., Southwestern Bell, United Parcel Service and The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co.” [Associated Press, 3/10/03]

• Blunt’s Son Lobbied For UPS From 2002 To March 2009. Rep. Roy Blunt’s son Andrew Blunt lobbied the Missouri General Assembly, Executive Branch, and Judicial Branch for United Parcel Services, Inc. from September 2002 until March 2009. Andrew Blunt registered UPS as an active client September 30, 2002. UPS terminated its contract with Andrew Blunt effective March 2, 2009. [Missouri Ethics Commission, Lobbying Disclosure Database, Accessed 4/20/09]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Criticized Blunt For Pushing Senate Chairman “To Secretly Amend” Iraq Appropriations Bill “In A Way That Benefits US Shippers Like UPS And FedEx Corp” After UPS Gave His Kid A Job. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board wrote: “What can Brown do for you? It can give your kid a job. And what can you do for Brown? If you’re Majority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Strafford, you can quietly urge Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, to secretly amend the $79 billion emergency appropriation for the war in Iraq in a way that benefits U.S. shippers like UPS and FedEx Corp. If you’re Roy Blunt, the amendment has the added political benefit of punishing a German-owned rival of UPS.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Editorial, 4/9/03]

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial: Blunt’s Behind-The-Scenes Promotion Of UPS Provision “Carries The Unpleasant Aroma of Peddled Influence.” “This is protectionist legislation that makes no sense in a global economy (even if it does scratch a patriotic itch). It panders to Congress’ worst xenophobic instincts, punishes U.S. trading partners and stifles competition. House and Senate conferees should remove Mr. Stevens’ amendment. This affair also carries the unpleasant aroma of peddled influence. Andy Blunt is a bright young man who ran big brother Matt’s successful race for Missouri Secretary of State in 2000. He might well run Matt Blunt’s race for governor next year. He can look forward to a long and successful career in business and politics. He shouldn’t need — or accept — freebies from Dad’s friends. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Editorial, 4/9/03]

BLUNT ‘S CLOSEST FRIEND AND FAMILY MEMBERS WERE LOBBYISTS

USA Today: Blunt Had “Myriad Connections To The Influence Industry,” With His Lobbyist Son As His Campaign Manager And His Wife, The Head Of Government Affairs For Kraft Foods Group. “Meanwhile, because no one thought Missouri was going to be competitive, the outside groups mostly ignored it and Blunt seemed a bit lackadaisical. Take, for example, his decision to tap his son, a Missouri lobbyist, to be his campaign manager. In this anti-establishment political climate, that fed straight into Kander’s hands — and unleashed a cascade of stories about Blunt’s myriad connections to the influence industry. (It doesn’t help that Blunt is also married to a Washington lobbyist; his wife is head of government affairs for Kraft Foods Group).” [USA Today, 10/3/16]

Politico: “Some GOP Operatives Concede” That The Arguments Against Blunt Being Too Connected To Lobbyists “Has Some Truth To It” And “Blunt Hasn’t Done Much To Calm Criticism For Having Hired His Son Andy, Who Has Worked As A Lobbyist, As His Campaign Manager.” “Blunt spokesperson Burson Snyder said Kander is trying to have it both ways by attacking Blunt while out-of-state money pours into the state.   ‘Jason Kander has raised money in Washington from lobbyists, he’s raised money all over the country from special interests. His wife was – in her own bio – a lobbyist, yet she failed to register,’ Snyder said. ‘And he is hypocritically trying to make this an issue? Missourians are concerned about a lot of other things.’   But some GOP operatives concede the Democrats’ message – which was used against Blunt during his 2010 run, but to little effect in a Republican wave year – has some truth to it. And Blunt hasn’t done much to calm criticism for having hired his son Andy, who has worked as a lobbyist, as his campaign manager.” [Politico Pro, 9/30/16]

National Review: “Lobbyists Epitomize The D.C. Insider Game That Voters Have Rejected So Thoroughly This Cycle. And Given How Easy It Is To Paint Blunt With That Brush, Some Republicans Wonder Why Blunt Would Give Them A Wide Target.” “What’s more, some Republicans gripe that Blunt has left himself wide open to an easy and potent attack from Democrats by having his son Andy, a lobbyist, as his campaign manager. Lobbyists epitomize the D.C. insider game that voters have rejected so thoroughly this cycle. And given how easy it is to paint Blunt with that brush, some Republicans wonder why Blunt would give them a wide target. Already, the DSCC is running an ad attacking Blunt as a creature of Washington, D.C., who has used his position in Congress to enrich himself. ‘And,’ adds one Republican, ‘it’s a family affair — Blunt’s wife and three kids are all lobbyists.’” [National Review, 9/22/16]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blunt’s Former Longtime Aide And Confident Turned “One Of Washington’s Most Prominent Lobbyists,” Gregg Hartley, Has Spent $55,000 For Blunt And “Plans To Spend More.” “Gregg Hartley is a former Blunt aide and longtime confidant, and one of Washington’s most prominent lobbyists. His Heartland Resurgence PAC has already spent more than $55,000 to help Blunt in this election and plans to spend more.  Since the early 2000s, Hartley has made more than $600,000 in donations to politicians or PACs, almost all to Republicans, with heavy giving to Missouri Republicans. But in June, Hartley also gave $1,000 to Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, who was facing a primary challenge from state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, whom Clay easily defeated.”   [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 8/14/16]

·         St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial: Hartley “Cashed In” On The Relationships He Made Working For Blunt, “Becoming A Top Lobbyist Helping To Pioneer The Lobbyist-As-Fundraiser Trend.” “In Blunt’s 14 years in the U.S. House, they courted lobbyists together. In 2003, Hartley cashed in on those relationships, becoming a top lobbyist helping to pioneer the lobbyist-as-fundraiser trend. ‘It’s a small, complicated and interrelated world,’ Hartley told Raasch.  It certainly is. Most Missourians don’t live in it.”  [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/5/16]

·         The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Said The “No Communication” Rule Between Campaigns And Super PACs Was “An Absurdity Built Into The Law” Considering Hartley Was Once Referred To As Blunt’s “Alter-Ego.”  “Super PACs — which are technically called ‘independent expenditure committees’ — are not supposed to coordinate their efforts with campaign committees. Hartley says there is a ‘firewall’ between Heartland Resurgence and the Blunt campaign.  The ‘no communication’ rule basically is run on the honor system, an absurdity built into the law. Blunt and Hartley, however, have worked together for 30 years, since Blunt’s first term as Missouri’s secretary of state when Hartley was his top aide. The Washington Post once called Hartley Blunt’s ‘alter ego.’”  [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/5/16]

PERSON 4: Roy Blunt’s just gotta go.

GFX: Don’t send Roy Blunt back to Washington

V/O: The DSCC is responsible for the content of this advertising.

GFX: PAID FOR BY DSCC, WWW.DSCC.ORG, AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. DSCC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS ADVERTISING

V/O: Roy Blunt came to Washington decades ago and everything turned to gold.

GFX: Roy Blunt

While in Congress, Blunt’s wealth increased by up to 7 million dollars.

GFX: Blunt Personal Financial Disclosures

Roy Blunt:

Increased Wealth

By Up To $7 Million

BLUNT HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF CONGRESS SINCE 1997

Blunt Has Been A Washington DC Politician Since 1997. Blunt was “elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses,” beginning his service on January 3, 1997. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Roy Blunt, Accessed 9/14/16]

BLUNT’S NET WORTH HAS INCREASED BY AS MUCH AS $7 MILLION

1996: Blunt’s Candidate PFD Showed His Net Worth Was As Low As –$174,994 And As High As $369,997.  According to Roy Blunt’s 1995 Personal Financial Disclosure, his total assets were worth at least $175,006 and as much as $500,000. Blunt’s liabilities totaled at least $130,003 and as much as $350,000. Subtracting Blunt’s liabilities from his assets shows that Blunt had a net worth as low as -$174,994 and as high as $369,997. [Blunt Candidate PFD, 5/14/96]

2015: Blunt’s Net Worth Was Between $748,020 And $7,044,997. According to Roy Blunt’s 2015 Personal Financial Disclosure, his total assets were worth at least $2,098,020 and as much as $7,695,000. Blunt’s liabilities totaled at least $650,003 and as much as $1,350,000. Subtracting Blunt’s liabilities from his assets shows that Blunt had a net worth as low as $748,020 and as high as $7,044,997. [Blunt 2015 PFD, 5/16/16]

V/O: And he voted 12 times to raise his own pay.

GFX: Voted 12 Times

To Increase His

Own Pay

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 85, 2/25/09

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 580, 6/27/07

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 261, 6/13/06

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 327, 6/28/05

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 451, 9/14/04

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 463, 9/4/03

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 322, 7/18/02

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 267, 7/25/01

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 419, 7/20/00

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 300, 7/15/99

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 662, 12/21/10

Pay Increase Yes

Vote 435, 9/24/97

BLUNT VOTED TO INCREASE HIS OWN PAY 12 TIMES

2010: Blunt Voted Against The FY 2011 Continuing Apportions Bill. In December 2010, Blunt voted against: “Obey, D-Wis., motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill. The Senate amendment would continue most appropriations at fiscal 2010-enacted levels through March 4, 2011. The measure would provide an overall annualized spending rate that is $1.16 billion more than fiscal 2010 levels. It would provide additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Pell grants. It also would allow the awarding of a Navy contract for shipbuilding of Littoral Combat Ships to multiple suppliers.” The bill passed 193- 165.” [CQ, 12/21/10; HR 3082, Vote 662, 12/21/10]

·         CNN Money: The Bill Included A “Two-Year Freeze In Pay For Federal Workers.” “With a government shutdown looming, Congress approved a temporary spending bill late Tuesday that will fund the government for another 10 weeks. […] While a continuing resolution puts government spending on autopilot, the version under consideration does include some adjustments to spending levels, including the two-year freeze in pay for federal workers that President Obama called for in November. And the measure will leave key Democratic legislative victories — like health care and financial reform — with less funding than if the massive $1.1 trillion “omnibus” extension killed by Republicans last week had passed.” [CNN Money, 12/21/10]

·         Congressional Research Service: The 2011 Continuing Appropriations Bill, P.L. 111-322, Prevented A 1.3% Member Pay Increase. Additionally, P.L. 111-322 prevented any adjustment in GS base pay before December 31, 2012. Since the percentage adjustment in Member pay may not exceed the percentage adjustment in the base pay of GS employees, Member pay was also frozen during this period. If not limited by GS pay, Member pay could have been adjusted by 1.3% in 2012. […] Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Denying or Delaying Pay Adjustments, Enacted Dates, and Pay Language: […] 2012 H.R. 3082, 111th Congress P.L. 111-322 December 22, 2010 Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011k.” [Congressional Research Service, “Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables,” 2/23/16]

Feb. 2009: Blunt Voted Against Incorporating A Provision Into An Appropriations Bill Blocking The Automatic Cost-Of-Living Adjustment For Members Of Congress In 2010. In February 2010, Blunt voted against: “Adoption of the rule (H Res 184) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide fiscal 2009 appropriations for federal departments and agencies covered by nine unfinished fiscal 2009 spending bills. The rule contains self-executing language, that upon adoption, would incorporate a provision to block the automatic cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress in 2010.” The rule was adopted by a 398-24 vote. [CQ, 2/25/09; H.Res. 184, Vote 85, 2/25/09]

Jun. 2007: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $43.9 Billion In FY2008 For The Treasury Department, OPM, Other Agencies, And Washington, D.C. In June 2007, Blunt voted for a: “Matsui, D-Calif., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 517), with an amendment, to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $43.9 billion in fiscal 2008 for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Personnel Management and other agencies, and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 244-181 vote. [CQ, 6/27/07; H.R. 517, Vote 580, 6/27/07]

• Associated Press: “Despite Record-Low Approval Ratings, House Lawmakers […] Voted To Accept An Approximately $4,400 Pay Raise That Will Increase Their Salaries To Almost $170,000.” “Despite record-low approval ratings, House lawmakers Wednesday voted to accept an approximately $4,400 pay raise that will increase their salaries to almost $170,000. The cost-of-living raise gets lawmakers back on track for automatic pay raises after a fight between Democrats and Republicans last year and again in January killed the pay hike due this year. That was the first interruption of the annual congressional pay hike in seven years. The blowup came after Democrats last year fulfilled a campaign promise to deny themselves a pay hike until Congress raised the minimum wage. Delays in the minimum wage bill cost every lawmaker about $3,100 this year. On a 244-181 vote Wednesday, Democrats and Republicans alike killed a bid by Reps. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Lee Terry, R-Neb., to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it. The Senate has not indicated when it will deal with a similar measure.” [Associated Press, 6/28/07]

Jun. 2006: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Provide FY2007 Funding For The Transportation Department, Treasury, And Department Of Housing And Urban Development, As Well As The Judiciary And Washington D.C. In June 2006, Blunt voted for a: “L. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 865) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide fiscal 2007 funding for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 249-167 vote. [CQ, 6/13/06; H.Res. 865, Vote 261, 6/13/06]

• Associated Press: “Despite Record Low Approval Ratings, House Lawmakers Tuesday Embraced A $3,300 Pay Raise That Will Increase Their Salaries To $168,500. “Despite record low approval ratings, House lawmakers Tuesday embraced a $3,300 pay raise that will increase their salaries to $168,500. The 2 percent cost-of-living raise would be the seventh straight for members of the House and Senate. Lawmakers easily squelched a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it.” [Associated Press, 6/14/06]

Jun. 2005: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Provide $139.1 Billion In FY2006 For The Departments Of Transportation, Treasury, And Housing And Urban Development, As Well As The Judiciary And Washington, D.C. In June 2005, Blunt voted for a: “L. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 342) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide $139.1 billion in fiscal 2006 for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia.” The motion was agreed to by a 263-152 vote. [CQ, 6/28/05; H.Res. 342, Vote 327, 6/28/05]

• The House Voted To Raise Pay By $3,100, Which Increased Congressional Salary To $165,200. “The House on Tuesday agreed to a $3,100 pay raise for Congress next year – to $165,200 – after defeating an effort to roll it back. In a 263-152 vote, the House blocked a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to force an up-or-down vote on the pay raise. Instead, lawmakers will automatically receive the raise – officially a cost of living adjustment – as provided for in a 1989 law that barred them from pocketing big speaking fees in exchange for an annual COLA.” [Associated Press, 6/28/05]

Sep. 2004: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $89.8 Billion In FY2005 For The Departments Of Treasury And Transportation And Related Agencies. In September 2004, Blunt voted for a: “Reynolds, R-N.Y., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 770) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $89.8 billion in fiscal 2005 for the departments of Treasury and Transportation and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 235-170 vote. [CQ, 9/14/04; H.Res. 770, Vote 451, 9/14/04]

• Associated Press: House Members Voted To Raise Their Pay $4,000. “With little debate, House lawmakers on Tuesday included themselves as part of a pay raise that all federal employees will receive next year. The cost-of-living raise would be the sixth straight for members of the House and Senate, boosting the salaries of lawmakers, now $158,100, by about $4,000 in the new calendar year.” [Associated Press, 9/15/04]

Sep. 2003: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $89.6 Billion In FY2004 Spending, Including $27.5 Billion In Discretionary Spending For The Departments Of Treasury And Transportation And Related Agencies. In September 2003, Blunt voted for a: “Reynolds, R-N.Y., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 351) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $89.6 billion in fiscal 2004 spending, including $27.5 billion in discretionary spending, for the departments of Treasury and Transportation and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 235-170 vote. [CQ, 9/4/03; H.Res. 351, Vote 463, 9/4/03]

• The Bill Raised Congressional Members’ Pay By About $3,300, For An Annual Salary Of $158,000. “It’s become something of an annual ritual: Rep. Jim Matheson standing up before Congress and scolding it for giving itself an automatic pay raise. But Matheson and those who agreed with him, including Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, lost when the House voted 240-173 not to allow Matheson’s call for a direct vote on the raises. ‘Surprisingly,’ said Matheson, ‘I stand up and speak out, and nobody else says anything.’ Matheson was trying to halt a raise that would increase members’ pay by about $3,300 a year, from the current $154,700 to about $158,000 next year. The House members decided to allow themselves a fifth straight cost-of-living raise after rejecting them for several years during the 1990s. Their annual pay has risen from $136,700 in 1999 to about $158,000 in 2004, if the legislation clears Congress and is signed by the president.” [Associated Press, 9/5/03]

Jul. 2002: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Allocate $35.1 Billion In FY2003 Treasury-Postal Appropriations. In July 2002, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the resolution (H Res 488) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would allocate $35.1 billion in fiscal 2003 Treasury-Postal appropriations.” The motion was agreed to by a 258-156 vote. [CQ, 7/18/02; H.Res. 488, Vote 322, 7/18/02]

• House Members Voted To Raise Their Pay By $5,000 Per Year. “Lawmakers appear ready to give themselves another pay raise, their fourth in four years. If the raise, about $5,000 a year, goes into effect, rank-and-file members of Congress would receive $155,000, an increase of more than $20,000 over the past decade. Under a 1989 law, congressional pay raises, determined by a complicated formula that includes a measure of private industry employment costs, go into effect automatically unless lawmakers vote to block it. House lawmakers cleared the way Thursday for the salary hike.” [Associated Press, 7/19/02]

Jul. 2001: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $32.7 Billion In FY2002 For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, Independent Agencies, And Certain Offices In The Executive Office Of The President. In July 2001, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 206) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $32.7 billion in fiscal 2002 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, various offices of the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 293-129 vote. [CQ, 7/25/01; H.Res. 206, Vote 267, 7/25/01]

• The Vote Approved A 3.4% Pay Raise For Members Of Congress. “House members managed to dodge a vote Wednesday on an effort to stop their own cost-of-living pay raise. The 3.4 percent raise takes effect for all of Congress on Oct. 1 unless blocked. Several lawmakers sought to attach amendments stopping the raise to the annual appropriations bill for the Treasury Department, Postal Service and other government operations. That $32.7 billion bill also includes a 4.6 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees. But in a 293-129 procedural vote, the House refused to allow the amendments that would stop the pay raise to be considered. Under the scheduled raise, the pay of a rank-and-file member of Congress will rise from $145,100 to about $150,000. Majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate will see their pay go from $161,200 to about $166,700. The speaker of the House will get about $192,800, up from $186,300.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 7/26/01]

Jul. 2000: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $29.1 Billion In FY2001 For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, And Related Agencies. In July 2000, Blunt voted for a: “Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 559) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill to appropriate $29.1 billion in fiscal 2001 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service and related agencies.” The motion was agreed to by a 250-173 vote. [CQ, 7/20/00; H.Res. 560, Vote 419, 7/20/00]

• Associated Press: “Members Of Congress Seem On The Road To Giving Themselves Their Third Cost-Of-Living Pay Raise In Four Years, A $3,800 Boost[.]” “Members of Congress seem on the road to giving themselves their third cost-of-living pay raise in four years, a $3,800 boost made less politically risky in this era of huge projected budget surpluses. On a 250-173 procedural vote, House opponents of the boost lost their opportunity to derail the increase Thursday. Under a law they passed in 1989, members of Congress automatically get a raise unless they vote to block it.” [Associated Press, 7/21/00]

Jul. 1999: Blunt Voted To Advance A Bill That Would Appropriate $28 Billion For The Treasury Department, Postal Service, And General Government Operations. In July 1999, Blunt voted for a: “Sessions, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question on adoption of the rule (HRes246) to provide for floor consideration of the bill to appropriate $28 billion for the Treasury Department, Postal Service, and general government operations.” The motion was agreed to by a 276-147 vote. [CQ, 7/15/99; H.Res. 246, Vote 300, 7/15/99]

• Chicago Sun-Times: “The House Voted Overwhelmingly […] To Give Members Of Congress A $4,600 Pay Raise In January And To Double The Next President’s Salary To $400,000.” “The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to give members of Congress a $ 4,600 pay raise in January and to double the next president’s salary to $ 400,000. Members voted 276-147 to increase their own pay and then 334-82 to reject an effort by conservatives to prevent the increase in the president’s pay.” [Chicago Sun-Times, 7/16/99]

Sep. 1997:  Blunt Voted To Block An Amendment To Block A Congressional Pay Raise. In 1997, Blunt voted in favor of a: “Hoyer, D-Md., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on the Hoyer motion to instruct conferees to increase funding for the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A ‘nay’ vote would have allowed Smith, R-Wash., to offer an amendment to block a cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress.” The motion passed 229-199. [CQ, 9/24/97; H.R. 2378, Vote 435, 9/24/97]

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Bill Cleared The Way For A $3,072 Cost Of Living Increase For Members Of Congress. “Congressional pay remains one of the hottest of hot-button issues for many voters, as Rep. Roy Blunt is finding out. Blunt is a Republican freshman in the House from Springfield, Mo., who voted in favor of measures that cleared the way for a $ 3,072 cost-of-living increase for members of Congress. The House passed the legislation Tuesday by a 220-207 vote, and the Senate approved it Wednesday 55-45, sending it to President Bill Clinton.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/1/97]

• A Blunt Spokesman Said Most Constituents Opposed The Pay Raise And Added, “Most People Believe Congress In General Isn’t Worth They Money They’re Getting. The Word I Keep Hearing Is ‘Disappointed.’” “Blunt said, ‘I believe keeping the current salary of Congress equal with the rate of inflation is the right thing, and a necessary thing to do to be able to attract people to seek congressional office in the future.’ While that may seem a persuasive argument to many, it’s apparently unpopular in southwest Missouri, where Blunt’s offices have received a large number of calls from disgruntled voters. Dan Wadlington, a spokesman for Blunt, said that, while some callers have been supportive, most have not. ‘Most people believe Congress in general isn’t worth the money they’re getting. The word I keep hearing is ‘disappointed.’” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/1/97]

V/O: Blunt lives lavishly in a $1.6 million dollar Washington mansion.

GFX: $1.6 Million

D.C. Mansion

DC Real Property Sales Database

BLUNT LIVES IN A 7 BEDROOM HOME WITH 3 FIRE PLACES IN NORTHWEST WASHINGTON, D.C. THAT WAS PURCHASED FOR $1.6 MILLION

Blue Nation Review: “Blunt Has A 7-Bedroom, 4-And-A-Half Bathroom Mansion In The Beltway.” “Meanwhile, this is Blunt’s property in Washington, D.C.: Blunt has a 7-bedroom, 4-and-a-half bathroom mansion in the Beltway and a small condominium he hardly ever visits in his home state.” [Blue Nation Review, 8/30/16]

2011: Abigail Perlman Blunt Purchased Home At 4936 Loughboro Road NW, In Washington D.C For $1.6 Million. Abigail Perlman Blunt purchased the property from Anne Coffey Proctor for $1.625 million on July 11, 2011. [DC Real Property Sales Database, Accessed 7/13/15]

·         Single Family Residence Includes 7 Bedrooms, 4 And Half Bathrooms, And 3 Fireplaces. According to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue, the property features for the 4,183 square foot single family residence include 7 bedrooms, 4 and a half bath rooms, 3 fireplaces, and hardwood floors. [DC Real Property Sales Database, SSL:1436 0032]

·         Current Assessed Value Of The Property Is $1,714,320. According to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue, the current assessed property value of the property for 2015 is $1,714,320. [DC Real Property Sales Database, Accessed 7/13/15]

V/O: His wife and kids worked as lobbyists for giant corporations. Gold for the Blunt’s. Nothing for you.

GFX: Lobbyists

Washington Post, 5/9/16

BLUNT’S WIFE AND THREE ADULT CHILDREN ARE LOBBYISTS FOR GIANT CORPORATIONS

BLUNT’S WIFE IS A FEDERAL LOBBYIST & HEAD OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FOR KRAFT FOODS

Blunt’s Wife Is The Head Of Government Affairs At Kraft Foods In Washington, DC. “The senator is married to a Washington lobbyist, Abigail Blunt, head of government affairs at Kraft Foods Group. His other son, former Gov. Matt Blunt, is a Washington lobbyist for the American auto industry.  And in Jefferson City, Andy Blunt boasts a roster of more than 30 clients — including the Missouri Hospital Association, Dairy Farmers of America, and the Lake of the Ozark Marine Dealers Association, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.” [Springfield News-Leader, 3/18/15]

Washington Examiner: Abigail Blunt Is “Kraft Foods’ Top Lobbyist.” Senators have a tendency to be married to lobbyists. Tom Daschle’s wife, Linda Hall Daschle, is a major transportation lobbyist. Kent Conrad’s wife, Lucy Calutti, is a lobbyist for Major League Baseball. Byron Dorgan’s wife, Kimberly Dorgan, is the top lobbyist fqor the life insurance industry. On the GOP side, Liddy Dole was a Republican senator while her husband, Bob Dole, was a lobbyist. Abby Blunt, wife of Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, is Kraft Foods’ top lobbyist.” [Washington Examiner, 10/6/14]

Kraft Foods Group Was The Fifth Largest Food And Beverage Company In The World. “The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC) is the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. The Company’s iconic brands include Kraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Velveeta. The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company.” [Kraft Heinz, About, Accessed 10/25/16]

BLUNT’S SON ANDY HAS BEEN A MISSOURI STATE LOBBYIST SINCE 2001 REPRESENTING “BIG HITTER CLIENTS”

Andrew Blunt Is A Registered Lobbyist In The State Of Missouri. According to lobbying disclosures, Andrew Blunt registered as a lobbyist on February 9, 2001. His registration is current through December 31, 2016. [Missouri Ethics Commission, Lobbyist Summary LOBID L001341]

·         Andrew Blunt First Registered As Lobbyist in February 2001. According to lobbying disclosures, Andrew Blunt registered as a lobbyist on February 9, 2001. His registration is current through December 31, 2016. [Missouri Ethics Commission, Lobbyist Summary LOBID L001341]

Andy Blunt’s Current Lobbying Clients Include MillerCoors, Exelon, And General Motors. According to Andy Blunt’s Principal List, he has lobbied for MillerCoors since August 2008, Exelon since April 2013, and General Motors since April 2015. [Missouri Ethics Commission, Andy Blunt Principal List, Accessed 1025/16]

ROY BLUNT’S SON MATT REGISTERED AS A FEDERAL LOBBYIST IN 2014 AND LOBBIED FOR THE THREE MAJOR AUTOMAKERS

KMOX: Matt Blunt “Has Officially Followed His Step-Mother’s Lead And Become A Registered Lobbyist.” He followed his father into politics, and now former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has officially followed his step-mother’s lead and become a registered lobbyist. Up until now, Blunt says he wasn’t spending the required 20 percent of his time advocating in the federal arena, but the President of the American Automotive Policy Council tells USA Today he registered recently “out of an abundance of caution.” [KMOX, 5/5/14]

·         Headline: Former MO Gov. Matt Blunt Is Registered Lobbyist. [KMOX, 5/5/14]

Matt Blunt’s First Federal Lobbying Disclosure Was In The Fourth Quarter Of 2014 Where He Disclosed That He Lobbied On Behalf Of The American Automotive Policy Council On Automotive Trade Issues. According to the federal lobbying disclosure database, Matt Blunt lobbied the “U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Commerce – Dept of (DOC), Energy – Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), State – Dept of (DOS), Treasury – Dept of, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office” on “Trans Pacific Partnership FTA; Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; Korea -U.S. FTA implementation; Korea Market Access Issues; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Automotive Dialogue; Currency Manipulation and Intervention; Acceptance of U.S. Certified Vehicles; Israel Vehicles Services Licensing Bill; Saudi Arabia Customs; Saudi Arabia Fuel Economy Regulations; Morocco Standards Workshop; Trade Promotion Authority; Korea Auto Emissions Regulations;Gulf Cooperation Council Standards Organization (GSO) auto standards issues; US- Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC); Acceptance of U.S. certified vehicles in Ecuador; Swiss Auto Emissions Regulations Automotive Standards; Proposal with ANSI/ Standards Alliance; Acceptance of U.S. certified vehicles in Egypt; WTO Enviromental Goods Agreement; Domestic and Ecomonic footprint of the U.S. Automotive Companies in each of the 50 states; American Automotive Labeling Act; Economic Contribution of the auto industry in the United States; auto job training and automotive domestic content.” [Federal Lobbying Disclosure Database, American Automotive Policy Council, Q4 2014]

Matt Blunt’s Most Recent Federal Lobbying Disclosure Was In The Second Quarter Of 2016 Where He Disclosed That He Lobbied On Behalf Of The American Automotive Policy Council On Free Trade Agreement Issues, Including TPP. According to the federal lobbying disclosure database, Matt Blunt lobbied the “U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Commerce – Dept of (DOC), Energy – Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), State – Dept of (DOS), Treasury – Dept of, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)” on “Provide guidance to negotiators on tariff issues, non-tariff barriers, and automotive rule of origin for the Trans Pacific Partnership FTA. Advocate for mutual recognition of safety and environmental automotive standards and balanced automotive rule of origin issues within the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership FTA. Monitor the Korea -U.S. FTA implementation and advocate for the elimination of Korean non-tariff barriers to automotive trade as well as Korea automotive market access issues. Advocate for the inclusion of currency disciplines within future U.S. free trade agreements. Advocating for the acceptance of vehicles certified to U.S. automotive regulations (FMVSS & EPA).” [Federal Lobbying Disclosure Database, American Automotive Policy Council, Q2 2016]

The AAPC Lobbied On Behalf Of Fiat Chrysler, Ford, And General Motors. “The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) represents the common public policy interests of its member companies – FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company.  These three companies are the heart of the industrial base of the United States and an engine of the American industrial economy.  They remain committed to U.S. investment as a key part of growing the American economy and exporting to markets across the globe.  Together, FCA US, Ford and General Motors’ unwavering commitment to innovation, research and technology development, advanced manufacturing and investment in human capital helps drive America’s economic success, solidifying the U.S. as a competitive global leader.” [American Automotive Policy Council, About, Accessed 10/25/16]

·         Fiat Chrysler, Ford, And GM Were Responsible For 3% Of The U.S.’s Economy. “Detroit’s Big 3 automakers — General Motors, Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler — and their suppliers are now responsible for 3% of the nation’s economy and provide the largest source of manufacturing jobs, finds a new report.” [USA Today, 7/25/15]

AMY BLUNT IS AN ACTIVE REGISTERED STATE LOBBYIST AND FORMER FEDERAL LOBBYIST FOR AMEREN

Aug. 2006: Blunt’s Daughter Later Joined Lathrop & Gage Lobbying Department. “Amy Blunt, one of the best-connected Republicans in Missouri, has joined the government relations department of Lathrop & Gage, a large Kansas City law firm. Blunt is the daughter of U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, the majority whip in the House of Representatives, and the sister of Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt.” [Kansas City Star, 8/15/06]

Amy Blunt Is Currently A Registered Lobbyist With The State Of Missouri. According to lobbyist filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Amy Blunt registered as a lobbyist with the state of Missouri on March 19, 2008. Blunt is registered as a lobbyist through December 31, 2016. [Missouri Ethics Commission, LOBID L002095A]

·         Amy Blunt First Registered As A Lobbyist In March 2008. According to lobbyist filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Amy Blunt registered as a lobbyist with the state of Missouri on March 19, 2008. Blunt is registered as a lobbyist through December 31, 2016. [Missouri Ethics Commission, LOBID L002095A]

January 2005: Amy Blunt Registered As A Federal Lobbyist With Ameren, CVS, And Intellistrobe Safety Systems. According to the lobbying disclosure database, Amy Blunt registered as a lobbyist effective 1/5/2005 with Ameren Services; 11/1/2005 with CVS; and 1/5/2005 with Intellistrobe Safety Systems.[Lobbying Disclosure Database, Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP, 2005 Ameren Registration; 2005 CVS Registration; 2005 Intellistrobe Safety Systems Registration]

Amy Blunt Last Filed A Federal Lobbying Disclosure Form In 2006. According to the federal lobbying disclosure database, Amy Blunt’s last filing was a 2006 mid-year report where she disclosed lobbying on behalf of Ameren. [Lobbying Disclosure Database, Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP, 2006 Mid-Year Report]

Ameren Was A Fortune 500 Company Traded On The New York Stock Exchange. “Ameren Corporation is a Fortune 500 company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AEE. It is the parent company of Ameren Illinois, based in Collinsville, Ill., and Ameren Missouri in St. Louis. Ameren Transmission Company, also based in St. Louis, designs and builds regional transmission projects. View our businesses.   Ameren was created by the combination of three Illinois utilities (CIPSCO Incorporated, CILCO Inc. and Illinois Power Company) and Union Electric Company of St. Louis. The name comes from combining the words American and Energy.   Employing more than 8,500 personnel, Ameren powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area.” [Ameren, Facts and Figures, Accessed 10/25/16]

WASHINGTON POST: “POLITICS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE BLUNT FAMILY BUSINESS.”

Washington Post “Politics Is Undoubtedly The Blunt Family Business.” “Politics is undoubtedly the Blunt family business: His wife, Abigail, is the top D.C. lobbyist for Kraft Foods. His son Matt served one term as Missouri governor and now leads the main lobbying group for Detroit automakers. Son Andy and daughter Amy are both lobbyists in Missouri; Andy is managing his father’s Senate campaign.” [Washington Post, 5/9/16]

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