From the Boston Globe’s article on Fred Thompson’s lobbying career:

One of his clients at the time was the Tennessee Savings and Loan League, on whose behalf Thompson lobbied for a bill to deregulate the industry. Experts say the final version of that bill played a large role in the savings-and-loan crisis of the late 1980s, opening the door to widespread fraud and mismanagement.

I went back and checked. The amendments to the law in question passed both the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democratic-controlled House by voice vote. No objections, no requests for a recorded vote. Interesting that the Globe – not naming these “experts” – lays the S&L crisis at Thompson’s feet, but ignores the fact that every member of the legislative branch at that time might be considered a bit more culpable, as they actually, you know, changed the law. Thompson just represented his client, urging passage of law changes designed to “grant small savers greater access to loans and a higher return on their savings,” as President Reagan described it at the bill signing.

Among those in Congress at the time, and not objecting, were guys like Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. (Bill Richardson and John McCain just missed the cut, taking office in January of the following year.)

I am also told by a reliable source that Thompson’s entire compensation for the Tennessee Savings and Loan League was $1600. No, I didn’t misplace a decimal point; one thousand, six hundred dollars.

But then again, you don’t really need the highest-priced lobbyist when no one in Congress objects to your bill.

And while we’re poking fun at lame lines of attack on FDT, doesn’t anyone else find it bizarre that the DNC is attacking Thompson for representing people who faced criminal charges as a defense attorney? I mean, isn’t that what they do? (Scary headline: “Controversial Legal Clients May Cause Problems“; actual statement: “According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal a private attorney, Thompson represented defendants on drug and other criminal charges.” )

Let me get this straight: ambulance-chasing trial lawyers like John Edwards are okay, but there’s something wrong with a candidate who has worked as a defense attorney?