Don Sundquist of lobbying firm Sundquist Anthony is a former Tennessee congressman (1983-1995) and governor (1995-2003). Soon after he left office, federal prosecutors indicted three people, including state officials and friends of Sundquist, on charges related to the improper awarding of state transportation and information technology contracts during his tenure.[1] Sundquist was never charged with any wrongdoing and has adapted easily to his new role as a lobbyist. Not only did he set the stage well by appointing 13 lobbyists to state board and commissions,[2] but in 2004 he was the best paid ($780,000) among ten former Tennessee congressmen in the lobbying business.[3] In 2005, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt named Sundquist to a federal Medicaid commission charged with recommending short- and long-term reforms to the program.[4] Recent lobbying clients include Waste Management, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, Freddie Mac and Corrections Corporation of America.[5]
For a complete look at Don Sundquist's lobbying activities, please visit the non-partisan Center For Responsive Politics' money-in-politics database.
[1] Gary Tanner, "'Waltz' Not Tennessee's First Dance With State Scandal," The Associated Press, May 29, 2005.
[2] "Capitol Connections," Education Week, November 9, 2005.
[3] "At Least 10 Former Members of Congress Took Up Lobbying," The Associated Press, October 24, 2005.
[4] "Leavitt Announces Advisory Commission for Medicaid Reform," Health Executive, August 1, 2005.
[5] U.S. Secretary of the Senate Lobbying Disclosure Database, accessed May 13, 2008.