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There are many reasons why individuals become embroiled in corporate corruption activities - from political zealotry to over-enthusiastic activism; from gullibility to greed.
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[Temporary: while site is under construction] Rusty Kelly
A lobbyist working for the tobacco industry in countering Texas product liability laws. This was part of the tobacco industry's contribution to the coalition of poisoning and polluting industries involved in the attempts as "tort reform".
PRELIMINARY MATERIAL ONLY
1992 Nov 20: This is a Covington & Burling memo about the future operations of the Texas Civil Justice League (TCJL) who have been set up by the tobacco industry to fight product liability laws (as the industry's contribution towards the tort-reform coaltion).
They have been consulting the cigarette company's political advisors and have met with the TCJL lobby team. The memo lists the lobby team and their rates of payment:
• Nub Donaldson (Team Leader) $100,000
• Jack Roberts (Senate Coordinator) $85,000
• Rusty Kelly (House Coordinator) $85,000
• Jack Gullahorn $75,000
• Kraege Polan $75,000
• Gibb Lewis $75,000
"The amounts listed reflect only the fee arrangements ; no agreement has been reached concerning lobbying expenses.
The 1993 TCJL budget includes an item for "legal experts" to cover the costs of Texas lawyers who will assist in any negotiations, briefings of legislators, and other matters. It is expected that Shannon Ratliff will serve as TCJL's chief legal adviser, but Shannon will need assistance. The TCJL estimated legal budget for Texas lawyers is $200,000 .
By way of comparison, the TCJL products liability lobby team was paid approximately $1,130,000 (retainer & expenses) in 1991. Total 1991 expenditures for Texas legal counsel were approximately $373,250.
There will be other components to the 1993 TCJL budget to cover such items as public communications and grassroots.
Specific budget figures for these items have not yet been determined.
We have tentatively agreed, subject to Policy Committee approval, to support TCJL at a level sufficient to cover these project costs."
 
1996: He is listed as a known "Friend of tobacco " by Judge Folsom in the case "The State of Texas vs [the combined tobacco companies ]" in an attempt to recover Medicaid costs.
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