While time will tell just how much “change” Barack Obama brings to the ways of Washington, one money-driven tradition is still very much staying the course under the new president. Just as his predecessors have done, Obama is rewarding big-time fundraisers with choice ambassadorial appointments for their work in “bundling” campaign contributions from multiple sources.

 

Those responsible for getting Obama six-figure cash packages include Laurie Fulton, recently appointed U.S. ambassador to Denmark, who bundled $100,000; Louis Susman, who raised $200,000 and personally contributed $30,000, and is now awaiting confirmation as ambassador to the United Kingdom; Charles Rivkin, who was rewarded with the top diplomatic post to France after turning in half a million in contributions; and John Roos, who is headed for Japan along with his wife, Susan, following their work in providing $500,001 to Obama’s campaign.

 

According to The Center for Public Integrity, more than 600 individuals bundled cash for Obama, and with 125 other ambassadorial positions still open, there could be many more “rewards” to be announced.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Buying Ambassadorships Redux: Four Obama Nominees Were Big-Money Bundlers (by Josh Israel, Center for Public Integrity)