Facts

More Revelations of Wicker Pay to Play Practices

Jackson, MS - Interim Senator Roger Wicker has become knee deep in a corrupt Washington system called "Pay to Play." He was even named "a poster child for an earmark moratorium" by conservative columnist Robert Novak. (Washington Post, 1/24/08)

Wicker's politics of "Pay to Play" and insider access have been well documented. In January 2008, the Washington Post exposed that Wicker had funneled millions of tax dollars to Aurora Flight Science -one of his top campaign donors and that Wicker's ex Chief of Staff served as Aurora's lobbyist. (Washington Post, 1/16/08)

Then in June, the Memphis Commercial Appeal documented that Wicker sent almost $8 million in taxpayer money to Radiance Technologies. Radiance Technologies' employees and PACs have lined Wicker's campaign coffers with over $20,000. In the story, Wicker conceded that former aides have an advantage lobbying his office: "They're people we've known for a long time, and we've built an acquaintanceship for sure. ... Clearly, when a member is discussing an issue with someone he knows personally, I'm sure it's an advantage." (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6/8/08) Additionally, Radiance Technologies' lobbyist, Brad Ayers, is a former Wicker aide who received $180,000 to lobby his former boss. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6/8/08)

Now there are revelations of more Wicker Pay to Play activities.

Miltec Corp.

WHAT HE GAVE: $6.5 MILLION IN EARMARKS

In March 2007, Wicker requested an earmark for Miltec Research and Technology,
to develop sensor technology. The final FY08 Defense Appropriations Bill then
included $4 million for Miltec. (Wicker Appropriations Letter, 3/22/07; Taxpayers for
Common Sense Earmarks Database)

In June 2006, Wicker touted the FY07 Defense Appropriations Bill, which included
$2.5 million for Miltec Corporation. (Wicker Press Release, 6/21/06)

WHAT HE GOT: $25,000 IN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Miltec employees have contributed at least $25,500 to Wicker's campaigns and his
leadership PAC, Responsibility & Freedom Work PAC. (Center for Responsive
Politics, accessed 8/18/08)

Rite Kem

WHAT HE GAVE: $1 MILLION IN EARMARKS

In March 2007, Wicker requested an earmark for Rite Kem. The final FY08
Defense Appropriations Bill then included $1 million for Rite Kem. (Wicker
Appropriations Letter, 3/22/07; Taxpayers for Common Sense Earmarks Database)

WHAT HE GOT: LESS THAN ONE MONTH AFTER REQUESTING THE EARMARK WICKER RECEIVES CAMPAIGN CHECK

Less than one month after requesting the earmark for Rite Kem, company
President Mark Lovil contributed $2,000 to Wicker's campaign committee. Wicker
also received $2,300 from Lovil in the first quarter of 2008. (Center for Responsive
Politics, accessed 1/7/08; Roger Wicker Campaign Finance Report, 4/08)

Planning Systems Inc

WHAT HE GAVE: $2.5 MILLION IN EARMARKS

In June 2006, Wicker touted the FY07 Defense Appropriations Bill, which included
$2.5 million for Planning Systems Inc. (Wicker Press Release, 6/21/06)

WHAT HE GOT: $8,000 IN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Wicker has received at least $8,000 from Planning Systems Inc. PAC and
employees. (Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 8/18/08)

"Roger Wicker's record of insider deals and favors for campaign donors is part of a broken Washington system that needs change. Washington has forgotten what its business is. Its business is the people's business, not the special interests business," Tim Phillips, Musgrove for Senate campaign manager said.