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Former Sen. Chris Dodd Accepts Hollywood’s Top Lobbyist Job

Mar. 1, 2011 8:57pm Meredith Jessup

Former Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

Former Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., has accepted a position as chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America.

What does Dodd know about making movies? It’s probably safe to guess not much, but his position as a veteran Washington insider uniquely qualifies him to inherit the position of Hollywood’s top lobbyist at the pro-business trade association.

Just one year ago, Dodd downplayed speculation he would take on a lobbying position after stepping down as one of the Senate’s longest-serving members.

“No lobbying, no lobbying,” Dodd told CTMirror.com at the time.

While it isn’t uncommon for former lawmakers to take positions as Washington lobbyists upon retirement, Dodd’s comments make his decision curious, The Hill notes.

Former lawmakers are legally prohibited from registering as a federal lobbyist for two years after leaving office, but they can join firms without directly lobbying member of Congress.

Dodd retired from the Senate in January after spending three decades in the nation’s capital. The former senator’s hiring had been rumored for weeks.

He will reportedly collect a $1.2 million salary.

Dodd follows other Washington veterans in leading the Tinseltown trade association. In May 1966, former special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson, Jack Valenti, took over the organization as MPAA president. During his tenure, Valenti introduced the movie ratings system to help parents decide which movies may be inappropriate for children.

After Valenti retired in 2004, former Kansas Congressman and President Bill Clinton’s U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman took the reigns.

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Comments (14)

pap pap
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 3:12pm
Why does Hoolyweird need a lobbiest ???

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jerry1945
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 9:08am
He is a CROOK come home to roost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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VotersOfNY
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 7:43am
I didn’t have much respect for MPAA to begin with, but now I have none at all. Why aren’t women screaming about this? Doesn’t anyone remember the waitress andwiches he and the murderer Ted kennedy would have when they were falling down drunk. Shame on you MPAA. Shame on you.

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Goldenyears22
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 2:22am
I hope he is not received as a lobbyist at the nations capital. No more earmarks.

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flyguync
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 1:08am
Yeah, got to look out for the union brothers out there! Those poor film workers slaving away for peanuts really need someone to look out for them.

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- Goldenyears22
  Posted on March 2, 2011 at 2:23am
  Never cared for him as a senator, don’t think I’ll care for him as a lobbyist.
  
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banjarmon
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 1:07am
Dodd wants money and Hollywood is in the propaganda business

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Large Eagle
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 1:07am
Another page another comment
Barney & Dodd the abuse of banking

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Large Eagle
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 1:05am
This confirms we are in the last days

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cheezwhiz
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 1:05am
Friend of Angelo
is now
Tout of Los Angelos

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- LAM2
  Posted on March 2, 2011 at 2:09am
  I once heard that politics is show biz for the ugly. Former Senator Chris Dodd hooking up with Hollywood…not quite sure how to characterize this….someone needs to help me out here…..
  
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- walkwithme1966
  Posted on March 2, 2011 at 3:06am
  I thought they had to wait a year before they could register as a lobbyist for any organization – guess I was wrong again – at least on this one!!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-HF
  
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- avenger
  Posted on March 2, 2011 at 5:53am
  this SOB should be in jail for crimes against the USA !
  
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- Ironeagle
  Posted on March 2, 2011 at 11:25am
  Our society is corrupt. Hollywood is more so–a perfect fit for him. He and Barney F ought to be tried for creating the conditions that brought on the housing collapse.
  
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