Washington is in rough shape. Gridlock plagues both chambers of Congress as partisanship seems increasingly terminal and efforts at compromise alarmingly ineffective. Enter the Reformers Caucus, made up of 200 former elected officials and focused on nothing short of “fixing democracy.”
Wherever dysfunction reigns, they are there “building the premier bipartisan coalition.” Wherever voters are overlooked, they are there “activing targeted ‘outside-Washington’ pressure.” Wherever transparency falters, they are there “reinvigorating ethics and accountability.”
Former members of Congress, retired governors, and wise old Cabinet secretaries, they bill themselves as the best hope for good government — which is interesting considering that three of the five board members work for major lobbying organizations when the Reformers Caucus isn’t assembled.
Former Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind., came to Congress during the Clinton administration, eventually becoming an original cosponsor of legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security and later serving on the 9/11 Commission. Under President Barack Obama, Roemer served two years as Ambassador to India. Then, he cashed out.
Since 2011, Roemer has worked at the global lobbying firm APCO Worldwide. He is the co-chair of the Reformers Caucus.
Former Rep. Dan Glickman rose from an obscure backbencher during the Carter administration to Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee for two years. Shortly before Republicans took back the House, President Bill Clinton nominated Glickman to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, a post he held for six years. But when Democrats lost the White House, he needed a new gig.
Since 2000, Glickman has held numerous academic roles at schools like George Washington University and Harvard University. He made his money as the chief lobbyist for the Motion Pictures Association of America beginning in 2004.
Former Rep. Tom Ridge, R-Pa., served six terms in Congress before returning to Pennsylvania to run for governor. He spent six years in Harrisburg, building a name for himself as a forward-thinking state executive and was even considered as a potential running mate to President George W. Bush. Later, Ridge became the very first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Afterwards, he hit up the corporate circuit.
Since 2005, Ridge has worked for Exelon Corp., Home Depot, Deloitte LLP, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with at least three other corporate advisory boards.
No one can blame former politicians for making a living in their retirement. They have children to feed, clothe, and educate, after all. But that so many members of Congress cash out on their connections is precisely the problem most people calling for reform would like to fix. Pretending these lobbyists can help clean up the government they helped mismanage is even worse.
The Reformers Caucus would have better luck slamming a revolving door.
