Wilson, Pearce Got Money from Embattled Lobbying Firm

By Matthew Reichbach, New Mexico Independent

February 24, 2009

Former Republican U.S. Reps. Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce were among dozens of members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who helped secure earmarks for clients of the PMA Group after receiving donations. The lobbying firm is best known for its close ties to John Murtha, D-Pa., the ex-Marine congressman in charge of Pentagon appropriations.

The FBI is investigating the PMA Group for possible illegal campaign contributions, according to The New York Times.

The PMA Group has closed its political action committee (PAC) after is offices were raided by the FBI in November. ABC News revealed the raid in a story earlier this month.

According to CQ Politics, Wilson and Pearce were not alone in securing earmarks.

In the spending bill managed by Murtha, the fiscal 2008 Defense appropriation, 104 House members got earmarks for projects sought by PMA clients, according to Congressional Quarterly’s analysis of a database constructed by Ashdown’s group.

Congressional Quarterly also has a chart showing who got money from the group and how much earmarks were secured.

Wilson helped secure $6,500,000 in earmarks for clients of the PMA Group. She received $9,000 in campaign cash from the group. Pearce also helped secure $6,500,000. He received $2,000 in campaign donations.