This is an intriguing story that hit Newsweek on the role and influence of a relatively unknown super lobbyist and former staffer to Richard Lugar, Richard Hohlt.
Hohlt is one of the major heavyweights in Republican party fundraising. Check out how he has spread the wealth. He’s not well-known across America, but all the elite folks running the country will take Hohlt’s calls.
Apparently, before Robert Novak wrote his column outing Valerie Plame, he sent a pre-publication copy to Richard Hohlt. Hohlt then sent the Novak story to Karl Rove to give him a “head’s up.”
Fascinating. That is the way Washington works. Circles within circles.
Hohlt did not know that Rove had already dumped what he knew about Valerie Plame Wilson to Novak — but still the way the web is woven is important for outsiders to see.
He has for many years run an elite dinner group called “Off the Record.” Top tier DC pols regularly attend. I have never had the opportunity.
I had heard of Hohlt but don’t think I have met him before.
This is part of the political machine in Washington. An important journalist needs sources, lobbyists need access, the presidential adviser needs to know what is going on, and they all trade in information.
— Steve Clemons
19 comments on “An Insider’s Insider: Richard Hohlt and the Plame Affair”