Media Falsely Report Dean Will Become Lobbyist, Disqualifying Himself From White House

Written by: Adam Quinn on Mar 10, 2009 12:27 PM EDT

Yesterday, the Washington Post and USA Today incorrectly reported on Gov. Dean's future and some blog sites picked up to story.

Today, the real story comes out:

..."[Washington Post reporter Al] Kamen got it wrong this morning," said Karen Finney, a spokesman for Dean. "He wrote that without talking to me or Dean. As you know, Dean is an Independent Consultant for the firm and not a registered lobbyist."

Indeed, Dean is joining McKenna as a consultant on health care and alternative energy issues and an independent adviser on specific projects that he chooses. His job portfolio, while attempting to influence the political debate, won't include the dreaded 'L-word' in it….

Via Huffington Post

DFA's Executive Director, Arshad Hasan posts:

…Here's the deal: He's not a lobbyist. That's not his gig. It's even in writing in the firm's own announcement. He is providing guidance to clients on Health Care policy and public-private partnerships. I think more people ought to ask Howard's advice on those matters, and I'm glad they are.

But he's not doing any lobbying.

…He is back at DFA (starting this week). We'll be organizing around Health Care (among many other things), and we'll be drawing a line in the sand at the availability of a public option…

Via Daily Kos

We are very excited Gov. Dean will be working on a number of issues but particularly healthcare. As a matter a fact, Gov. Dean will be joining DFA 5th Birthday Parties on March 25th all across the country and I am sure he'll tell you what he is up to. 

You can throw your own DFA Birthday Party and join Gov. Dean, Jim Dean, and other special guests by conference call and streamed live over the internet. I hope you can join us.

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Location: Burlington, VT 05401