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Sep 1, 2010

Dem chairman calls for Brewer’s lobbyist-in-chief to step down

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 1, 2010

Governor’s top lobbyist is now punishing media outlets that dare question who profits from private prisons

PHOENIX -- Last night, news broke that Gov. Brewer’s campaign chief -- private-prison lobbyist Chuck Coughlin – canceled all of the governor’s campaign advertising on CBS 5 News. Why? Because the reporters were doing their job.

Apparently, they were asking too many questions about whether Brewer’s actions as governor are reaping profits for lobbyist Coughlin and his private-prison client, Corrections Corporation of America. Brewer’s campaign staff and governing staff are both overrun with lobbyists, particularly those connected to prison privatization.

“If Jan Brewer’s top adviser is punishing media outlets for asking legitimate questions about his lobbying influence over her, it raises another question: Has she given unchecked power to an unelected lobbyist?” said Don Bivens, Arizona Democratic Party chairman. “Jan Brewer can put an end to questions about special-interest lobbyists profiting from her tenure – she should ask her top lobbyist to step down.”