Weldon ethics questioned over Russian firm

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/front/8589975.htm

When a huge Russian natural-gas firm with deep pockets and a troubled image sought to expand its foothold in the rich American market, U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R., Pa.) went to bat for the company in a big way.

He lobbied the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to approve a grant for Itera International Energy Corp. to develop a sprawling gas field in western Siberia, even after the government grew concerned over allegations the company had engaged in questionable business deals.

He complained to Karl Rove, the top political adviser to President Bush, and to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham about Itera's treatment at the hands of the government. And he urged a high-profile Washington insider, former CIA director James Woolsey, to lend his clout and credibility to Itera by advising the firm on corporate ethics.

Taken by themselves, Weldon's actions tracked with his long history of promoting ties between the United States and Russian energy firms. But the Itera case raises two questions:

Why would a U.S. congressman throw so much support behind a company that, in the opinion of many Western business experts, suffered from a reputation for unethical business practices?

Was Congress' code of ethics breached when Weldon's 29-year-old daughter and a Delaware County political ally of the congressman received a $500,000 contract to do public-relations work for Itera at the same time Weldon was lobbying hard for the company?

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