Microsoft Cuts Ties
to Lobbyist
By AP from the
NYTimes on the Web, May 28, 2005
SEATTLE, May 27 (AP) - The
Microsoft Corporation said on Friday that it had severed ties with Ralph Reed, a
Republican lobbyist and former leader of the Christian Coalition who is running
for lieutenant governor of Georgia.
"Ralph Reed is no longer on retainer with Microsoft," said a company
spokeswoman, Ginny Terzano.
The move came a month after liberals, upset that Microsoft had withdrawn its
support for a gay rights bill here, urged the company to stop using Mr. Reed as
a political consultant. The bill died by a single vote in the State Senate
on April 21, and the company has since said it will support such legislation in
the future.
Ms. Terzano noted that Century Strategies, a public relations and lobbying firm
that Mr. Reed founded in 1997, lobbied for Microsoft on international trade and
competition, not social issues.
While she would not comment on Mr. Reed's candidacy for lieutenant governor, Ms.
Terzano said, "It would not be appropriate to have a consultant on retainer that
is seeking elective office at the same time."
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