Firm's clients benefiting from contracts

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2006 | by Matt Kelley

WASHINGTON -- Between 2002 and 2005, Republican Sen. Arlen Specter directed millions of dollars to companies based in and around his home state of Pennsylvania. He repeatedly touted the achievements in news releases.

The businesses weren't the only ones to benefit. The lobbying firm that represented six companies saw its fees grow during that same time. The husband of one of Specter's top aides heads the firm.

The president of the firm, American Defense International, is Michael Herson. His wife is Vicki Siegel Herson, Specter's legislative assistant who handles the senator's appropriations matters.

Specter, who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, helped direct almost $50 million to six clients of ADI during the past four years in his role as a...