David Girard-diCarlo of the Blank Rome law firm is a long-time lobbyist and fundraiser for Republican causes. A Bush Pioneer in 2000 and Ranger in 2004, as well as a $100,000 bundler for Bush's 2000 inauguration committee,[1] Girard-diCarlo became the object of scrutiny in 2005 after it was revealed that he had hosted his old friend, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, at his home on the day following his nomination to be the first head of the Department of Homeland Security.[2] According to the Associated Press, Blank Rome subsequently lobbied Ridge's department on behalf of 29 companies, three nonprofit groups and a trade association for the software industry.[3] Meanwhile, two of Ridge's aides soon left the government and went to work for Blank Rome.[4] "I'm not a rule maker, I'm a game player," he later said, explaining that he feels an obligation to pass on his fundraising wisdom to later generations.[5] "I was fortunate enough to be tutored by others, and I think it's incumbent on me to do the same thing," he said on another occasion.[6] His hard work has been well rewarded: President Bush named him to a six-year term as a member of the board of trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[7] His wife, Constance Girard-diCarlo, was appointed as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.[8] As a bundler, he has raised at least $500,000 for McCain's presidential campaign, according to information released by the campaign.[9]
For a complete look at David Girard-diCarlo's lobbying activities, please visit the non-partisan Center For Responsive Politics' money-in-politics database.