James Courter

James Courter, a Pioneer for President Bush in 2004, is CEO of telecommunications giant IDT and a former congressman (R-NJ) (1979-1991). He also served as chairman of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, having been appointed by President George H.W. Bush.[1] In 1996, his overseas business affairs came under scrutiny when it was revealed that he assisted Korean-American businessman David Chang in selling oil and food to the Iraqi and North Korean governments. Courter's role was to arrange meetings between Chang and Rep. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ).[2] Chang was later sent to prison for bribery and Torricelli was "severely admonished" by the Senate, to which in the interim he had been elected.[3]

For a complete look at James Courter's lobbying activities, please visit the non-partisan Center For Responsive Politics' money-in-politics database.


[1] "Despite Anguish, Base Closings Must Go Forward," USA Today, June 29, 1993.

[2] Herb Jackson, "Kean Downplays Contributions," The Record, May 31, 2006.

[3] John Solomon and Matthew Mosk, "Past Clouds Candidates' Donor Lists," The Washington Post, September 20, 2007.
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