Reply #213: Newly Released Documents Indicate that as Texas Governor, Bush Helped Prom [View All]

Newly Released Documents Indicate that as Texas Governor, Bush Helped Promote Enron’s Business Interests

http://www.citizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm?ID=1028

AUSTIN, Texas — Documents obtained by Public Citizen on Friday suggest that as governor of Texas, President Bush helped promote Enron Corp.’s foreign and domestic business agenda on behalf of company CEO Kenneth Lay.

The documents were among 350 pages of Bush records released by Bush’s father’s presidential library, where Bush sent them, after a request by Public Citizen under the state’s open records law.

Though Bush has tried to distance himself from Ken Lay following the implosion of Enron and the loss of billions of dollars by investors and employees, the documents include handwritten letters exchanged between Lay and Bush reflecting a personal relationship. They also show Lay frequently sought help from Bush. Lay and Enron have contributed $736,800 to Bush’s political career, including his 1994 and 1998 campaigns for governor, his 2000 presidential campaign, and his recount and inaugural funds.