Questions Raised Over Bridenstine’s ‘Confidential’ Special Project
Confidential project for Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine costs $64,000
by Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — Rep. Jim Bridenstine put a former tea party group leader on his office payroll for six months to do a “confidential” project that cost at least $64,000 in salary payments alone, according to public records and Bridenstine’s spokeswoman.
House records show the Tulsa Republican’s office paid Dean Clancy nearly $44,000 from late August through the end of 2014 and called him “special projects manager.” Sheryl Kaufman, Bridenstine’s press aide, said Clancy was paid another $20,000 this year.
Kaufman said Clancy “provided expertise and oversaw a major legislative analysis and development project of a confidential nature. The work product has not been released.”
Clancy also described his work as confidential, and he referred to it as a six-month contract with the congressman. However, House members aren’t allowed to contract with people or companies for tasks related to legislation. Kaufman said Clancy was employed as a full-time staff member.