Western Values Project Launches Ad Campaign Calling On Murkowski To Do Her Job, Ask The Tough Questions During Hearing

Today, Western Values Project is running a full-page ad in Politico calling on Senator Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, to do her job and ask critically important questions at today’s confirmation hearing for lobbyist turned deputy secretary nominee David Bernhardt. Washington’s Spinning Wheel of Corruption

Bernhardt and his lobbying firm’s political action committee have given thousands of dollars in campaign donations to Senator Murkowski and other committee members. As a registered lobbyist, Bernhardt has come under fire for a long list of conflicts of interest. Among the conflicts is a water deal under review at the department that could lead to Bernhardt’s lobbying firm pocketing more than $2 million.

“How can we trust Senator Murkowski and other members of the committee to fully vet their own campaign donor? Giving thousands in campaign cash to the committee members approving his nomination is just the beginning of the long list of conflicts of interest that should disqualify lobbyist David Bernhardt from this important position that oversees our public lands,” said Chris Saeger, Western Values Project Director. “This is the height of swamp politics, but it’s not surprising given the revolving door Secretary Zinke and President Trump have opened up from the oil and gas industry directly into the Interior Department. If they are serious about ‘draining the swamp,’ Bernhardt should absolutely not be confirmed.”  

If this hearing is going to be anything more than a sham, Bernhardt should answer the following questions:

• As a member of the Trump transition team, did he meet with Cadiz, Inc. or any one associated with Cadiz Water Project about the existing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) directives regarding the project?
• Did Mr. Bernhardt discuss the BLM revocation of two legal documents stating that Cadiz could not use existing federal railroad right-of-way? Or discuss the Cadiz water project with any Interior officials when he was part of the Trump transition?
• Since President Trump took office, has Mr. Bernhardt spoken to anyone at Interior about the BLM directives that impact the Cadiz water project?
• As a former oil and gas lobbyist, how can Mr. Bernhardt make impartial decisions that won’t directly benefit his former lobbying firm and/or the oil and gas industry?

David Bernhardt, since 2010, has contributed $15,100 to Republicans currently serving on the Senate Energy Committee. He has contributed:

• $1,000 to Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
• $500 to Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT)
• $2,000 to Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
• $6,100 to Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO)
• $2,000 to Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)
• $2,500 to Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
• $1,000 to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

David Bernhardt has not given money to any other members of the committee.

(CQ Political Moneyline Search for David Bernhardt)

David Bernhardt’s lobbying firm Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck, LLP operates the BHFS-E PAC, which has also made several contributions to members of the Senate Energy Committee or to their Leadership PACs.  Since 2012 the firm’s PAC has given at least:

• $10,000 to Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)
• $9,500 to Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
• $8,500 to Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
• $7,000 to Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)
• $7,000 to Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO)
• $4,500 to Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
• $4,000 to Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT)
• $2,000 to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
• $1,000 to Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

In total the firm’s PAC has given $53,500 to Republican members of the committee since 2012.

Washington’s Spinning Wheel of Corruption