Comments on: Examining Bolden’s lobbying career

By: Space Politics » Bolden’s ethics waiver

Space Politics » Bolden’s ethics waiver — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:26:31 +0000

[…] linked to Bolden’s brief time as a registered lobbyist for ATK; as noted here back in May, he was registered for only a brief time, recorded no income, and later claimed it was a mistake in the first […]

By: Pajamas Media Â» New NASA Administrator Will Have His Hands Full

Pajamas Media Â» New NASA Administrator Will Have His Hands Full — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:42:45 +0000

[…] being the contractor for the first stage of the Ares launchers. But his activity in that regard was in the past and seems to have been minimal. If anything, there may even be a bad relationship between […]

By: E.P. Grondine

E.P. Grondine — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:12:31 +0000

Given the problems with Ares 1, it will be nice to have someone who’s taken several rides when Augustine and colleagues report on the Direct/Ares 1 choice. Garver would appear to support Direct, and since she’s going to be assisting Bolden, it looks good to me.

In general, pilots are no bs people, as you’re either in the air or in the ground, and astronauts pilots are the best of the best.

The key issue coming up is going to be international planetary defense from comet and asteroid impact, and Garver has some familiarity with the problem.

By: Bolden Watch | The Online Space News

Bolden Watch | The Online Space News — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:09:54 +0000

[…] At least one issue came up during his vetting process which was later cleared and that is his lobbying efforts. You can read more about Bolden’s lobbying career here. […]

By: Jim Hillhouse

Jim Hillhouse — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:25:23 +0000

Sc220, you’re stretching things quite a bit here. I’ll believe Bolden’s version of events, that his understanding was that he was a consultant, not a lobbyist.

And I think we can all be very sure that Bolden has been vetted, that the Administration is well aware of Bolden’s activities.

The only person trying to kick-up dust on the Bolden nomination is Mikulski, so far without much effect, because she’d like to see a drop in manned space and an increase in her space funding.

By: Major Tom

Major Tom — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:48:32 +0000

“This is heartening news. He still has the GenCorp boardsmanship issue to deal with, but as sc220 said this almost sounds like his stint at ATK wasnâ€™t that great. Well, anyway weâ€™ll see what we really get in the end. Iâ€™m still setting my expectations pretty low, but this gives a glimmer of hope.”

Regardless of his ATK and GenCorp connections, Bolden is going to be very beholden to Sen. Nelson for sponsoring his nomination, and Nelson has a strong interest in continued Ares I/Orion work in Florida. Absent an Augustine recommendation or unredeemable program meltdown, I doubt Bolden will redirect Ares I/Orion (if he becomes Administrator).

That said, as Mr. Foust pointed out in another post, Nelson was supportive of COTS-D in a recent hearing (no doubt because Nelson also has a strong interest in continued Falcon 9/Dragon work in Florida), which could bode well for Bolden’s support for the program (if he becomes Administrator).

FWIW…

By: Jonathan Goff

Jonathan Goff — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:31:53 +0000

This is heartening news. He still has the GenCorp boardsmanship issue to deal with, but as sc220 said this almost sounds like his stint at ATK wasn’t that great. Well, anyway we’ll see what we really get in the end. I’m still setting my expectations pretty low, but this gives a glimmer of hope.

~Jon

By: sc220

sc220 — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:41:20 +0000

This shouldn’t be of a concern from an ethics standpoint. But it may still be an issue regarding impartiality toward the current architecture and Ares development. This is an important aspect of Augustine-prime and complying with its recommendations. This is a direction that the Administration needs to probe.

That being said, it almost sounds like there may be a little ill will between Bolden and ATK. The relationship was pretty brief, and it appeared that ATK was eager to get him off the payroll. Perhaps this is a sign that Bolden would not be a running dog of ESAS, and may be eager to challenge the whole thing.

Interesting that this is the attitude held by George Abbey.