Koch Industries Slams White House For Making It Political Bogeyman

A spokesman for Koch Industries, the private energy conglomerate that has taken a leading role in bankrolling conservative causes, forcefully lashed out at the White House on Tuesday evening for casting the company as an electoral bogeyman.

Responding to a story in the Huffington Post -- which reported that Democrats are attempting to turn election spending by Koch (and other companies) against the Republican candidates ostensibly benefiting from the money -- Nancy M. Pfotenhauer, a spokesperson for Koch Industries, offered the following response:

Koch Industries is an American company led by citizens who exercise their freedom to speak out on issues and participate openly in our political democracy. That the White House would single out this company, which employs 50,000 American taxpayers and its leadership, for vague and partisan political attacks without making any allegation of actual wrong-doing is deeply distressing and should be of concern to all Americans. We are additionally concerned that the White House would demand transparency from behind the veil of anonymity. We would ask White House officials to go on the record with their accusations or formally retract their statements. Koch Industries pays its corporate taxes and fully complies with all tax laws.

Pfotenhauer's dig at the anonymity used by White House officials seems somewhat off-base. The administration and allied Democrats have been quite willing to publicly attack the group -- and the associated Americans for Prosperity -- for funding a host of Republican causes in shadowy, non-transparent fashion.

But the pushback reflects some of the sharpest yet to come from the usually private, if not downright secretive oil company. Pfotenhauer is a seasoned GOP operative. And her elevated role on behalf of Koch suggests that officials there are prepping for even sharper political battles ahead. Indeed, on Tuesday, Koch lawyers accused the White House of looking through the company's tax returns for dirt, a charge the White House denied.

That said, the increasingly cantankerous relationship between Koch Industries and the Obama administration does seem to benefit both parties involved -- giving Democrats a corporation with all the obvious features to vilify (oil-based, politically-active) while elevating Koch into a well-moneyed anti-Obama hero within the conservative community.

Comments

[Chitral]

12:37 AM on 09/25/2010

Does anybody have more information on Koch Industries and outsourcing ? I was unable to find much and yet I heard that they are one of the biggest outsourcers of American jobs. That will be interesting to know.

[Marie Russell-Barker]

05:22 PM on 09/23/2010

Koch and other Big oil companies, will all ways do the things to keep American down and the Republicans In their pockets this one thing that worries me about our people here in the United States. If you are angry why not be angry with the ones who causes the problems.

Oh the Tea Parties are not the party of American I am speaking about I am speaking to those who claim to be Democrats, are you so upset because you did not get what you wanted out of the Health Care Bill? That you would allow those whom we know who they are working for and what about you Middle Class Republican you don't see who the Republican are fighting for news it is not you. As for those of you who voted for the President and then desert him before a year was up because you are angry over the Health Care Bill Get Over your selves It was not about you along.

It was about all American. In my life time I have found that it is impossible to please every one you may as well do what is right and maybe people will see, but not you Liberals or you progressive it must be your way. Get Over that dead horse and vote.

[MsYellowDog]

04:59 PM on 09/23/2010

I learned to dread the appearance of Nancy Pfooooten-hour on the TV machine during the 2008 campaigns,because I knew I was always going to feel as if I needed a shower after she finished talking...she needs to join O'Donnell's Witches' Coven...she is pure evil.

[hjs]

01:29 PM on 09/23/2010

The white didn't accuse Koch of any wrongdoing in that article. They simply pointed out that the public would be better served if they knew that the Tea Baggers and their candidates receive significant financial support from Koch Industries. And that support is provided in the interest of increased profits, not philisophical principles.

[Yoland Carolino]

01:19 PM on 09/23/2010

To the teabaggers, I say: WHO'S YOUR DADDY NOW?

[Yoland Carolino]

01:16 PM on 09/23/2010

The Koch brothers won't stop at nothing to push their evil agenda. Evil is as evil does.

[NOTOGOP]

11:21 PM on 09/22/2010

http://crooksandliars.com/taxonomy/term/7833,7762

[NOTOGOP]

11:18 PM on 09/22/2010

Oh and this is the bogeyman.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/exclusive-koch-industries-among-hosts-of-carly-fiorina-fundraiser.php

[Donnie4488]

10:54 PM on 09/22/2010

And one interesting aside...Koch Industries are among the "small businesses" Boehner wants to protect with the extension of the Bush tax cuts.Incredible.

[Noland]

07:51 PM on 09/22/2010

"That the White House would single out this company...for vague and partisan political attacks...is deeply distressing and should be of concern to all Americans." Yeah, it is of concern that a couple of billionaires would like to have their Kobe and eat it too. Instead of printing coins in your own image or creating bogus companies to disguise your support for tea-baggers, why not just come out of the closet and tell Americans exactly who and/or what you are actually supporting. That would be transparent. If FOX can do it, I’m sure you can too.

[DorianCorso]

03:55 PM on 09/22/2010

The White House should not only welcome their hate, they should relish it.

If you're p*ssing off Koch industries, you're doing the right thing.

[Marcus1]

03:40 PM on 09/22/2010

Why so angry, just cause you got busted.

[ennis438]

03:36 PM on 09/22/2010

Koch, and anyone else who believes in the destruction of the American dream by supporting GOP terrorism of the American middle class deserves to be blasted for being an American traitor.

[Dan1902]

03:46 PM on 09/22/2010

Fanned and faved!!!

[u say what]

03:22 PM on 09/22/2010

the puppet masters!!!

[Dan1902]

03:18 PM on 09/22/2010

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Koch Bros whining about being exposed!! Sorry guys your astroturf TeaPatsy movement is in the limelight and so are you now!! Money doesn't seem to be able to buy anonymity now does it!!! Your stealth is unparalleled NOT!! I guess Bogeymen grow in the dark and DIE in the light of exposure!! In the words of one of your TeaPatsy darlings QUIT WHINING AND GET YOUR MAN PANTS ON!! The critics are coming and with no reservations!!