Bondi Clashes with Senator, deflects Lobbying Question with Attack on Military Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in a contentious exchange with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Tuesday, responding too questions about lobbying efforts by her former firm, Ballard Partners, with accusations that Blumenthal lied about his military service.
The exchange began when Blumenthal questioned Bondi about the role of Brian Ballard, a longtime supporter and head of Ballard Partners, in lobbying the Justice Department regarding a lawsuit related to the merger of American Express Global business Travel. “in the merger that took place involving American Express GBT, I understand that Brian Ballard… was instrumental in lobbying the Justice Department to drop that lawsuit. … What conversations did you have with Mr. Ballard?” blumenthal asked.
Bondi reacted sharply, immediately shifting the focus to Blumenthal’s past statements regarding his military record. “Sen. Blumenthal, I cannot believe that you would accuse me of impropriety when you lied about your military service. You lied, you admitted you lied to be elected a U.S.senator,” she stated, interrupting Blumenthal.
She continued,”How dare you? I’m a career prosecutor. Don’t you ever challenge my integrity… do not question my ability to be fair and impartial as attorney general, and anything [about] my former firm Ballard Partners.”
Blumenthal acknowledged in 2010 that he had “misspoken” about his service, clarifying that he served in the Marine Reserve during the Vietnam War era but was never deployed to Vietnam.
The heated exchange effectively derailed further questioning about Ballard Partners’ lobbying activities and highlighted a contentious dynamic between the two lawmakers.
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