If Gov. George Pataki bows out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, one day he might make good money as a lobbyist. At least this is what the Cleveland based Bocskai Radio’s interview with Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s young foreign minister suggests. (Hear the radio interview here.)
The reporter asked Mr. Szijjártó why Connie Mack got the well-paying lobbying contract from the Hungarian Government. Couldn’t they find a more well-known Hungarian-American for the job?
For those who don’t know, Hungary has appointed former US Congressman Connie Mack as the country’s public advocate in the United States. Cabinet spokesman, Bertalan Havasi, has said that “Congressman Mack’s job will be to ensure that US media and policymakers have a direct line of communication to my office to foster a greater understanding of Hungary and our commitment to freedom and NATO alliance.” Mr. Mack’s 4-year contract is worth HUF 1.4 billion (USD 5 million).
Connie Mack – his full name is Cornelius Harvey McGillicuddy IV.
Foreign Minister Szijjártó has also said in the interview that he met with Mack who has “interesting plans” and he also talked with Gov. Pataki a great deal. Currently Mr. Pataki is not available since he is busy with the campaign, but cooperation is possible with him in the future.
Pataki’s GOP race is not going well. With a polling average hovering under one percent, he was shut out of the most recent “undercard” debate — but he still insists that he is not planning to exit the race anytime soon. Now he is focusing on the New Hampshire Primary in February 2016.
I have a feeling that Pataki might be a bit old for Washington lobbying, he is over 70. He is respected, seasoned and moderate and has a generational problem. While he had name recognition 20 years ago, nobody has heard about him for a decade and he is having a problem connecting with young people.
Gov. Pataki is popular with Hungarian Americans – at a Hungarian American Coalition event with Ms. Edith Lauer, Chair Emerita and unknown woman.
At the same time Pataki is popular with older conservative Hungarian-Americans, many Hungarian 56-ers would love to get rid of Mr. Mack and have Gov. Pataki as Hungary’s top lobbyist in the United States.
György Lázár
