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 Support The DrudgeReport; Visit Our Advertisers  DRUDGE BACKGROUNDER: Gephardt Senior Campaign Aide Joyce Aboussie Wed Dec 03 2003 15:58:57 ET Two powerful union leaders are demanding that Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) fire one of his top aides after she allegedly threatened to retaliate against their unions if they campaign for former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in Missouri. She is: Joyce Aboussie. Joyce Aboussie was a volunteer for Gephardt�s 1976 campaign for Congress, and served as an intern for Gephardt in 1977. She worked on Gephardt�s 1978 reelection campaign, and has been involved in every reelection campaign from that point forward. Aboussie was the Missouri campaign manager for Gephardt�s 1988 presidential run. Her ties to Gephardt run long and deep. One political veteran says that Aboussie is �the gatekeeper for Gephardt on a lot of local issues.� She not only �has Gephardt�s ear in matters large and small,� but she also �has control over who has access to that ear.� One St. Louis City Hall �lifer� says Aboussie has Gephardt�s influence, but not his oversight. Roll Call says Aboussie�s effort to keep Gephardt in touch with his constituents is �a crucial component� of his presidential efforts. Donna Brazile attributed Gephardt�s 1988 Iowa victory to Aboussie. Aboussie has managed or consulted on numerous campaigns in Missouri, including Bob Holden�s gubernatorial race. Aboussie�s style combines �a mean streak with a powerful ability to get the job done.� An unnamed political operative said Aboussie has �her fingers deep into the pie and will cut you off, and you will know it was her. She�ll hurt you.� Another operative notes, Aboussie will make someone pay a price if she�s crossed, �which is usually your complete and utter destruction.� Aboussie is president and owner of Telephone Contact Inc (TCI), a political-consulting firm that does polling and compiles frequent voter lists, which are then sold to political campaigns. Aboussie�s relationship with Gephardt and her ownership of TCI have been called a conflict of interest. Some say that Aboussie will say she�s �completely independent of Gephardt� when wanting to take on a given client or cause, but will do the opposite for those with whom she doesn�t want to be involved, saying to do so �would be against Gephardt�s interests.� |
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