Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Colombia Fires Clinton Aide Over Remark

Says apology for trade meeting showed 'lack of respect'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 5, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Colombia fired a Washington lobbying firm today after its CEO, a top Hillary Clinton strategist, apologized for meeting with the country's US envoy, Politico reports. Mark Penn called the trade meeting an “error in judgment” that “will not be repeated,” but the remark ruffled feathers in Colombia. "The Colombian government considers this a lack of respect to Colombians, and finds this response unacceptable," the government said it a statement.

Penn's meeting also upset Change to Win, a major labor coalition, which called for Penn’s resignation from the Clinton campaign; last year, two unions also called on Clinton to “rein in” Penn for “working for anti-union companies." Penn met with the Colombian official this week as CEO of Burson Marsteller, not as a Clinton advisor, to support a free-trade measure that Clinton opposes.

Clinton strategist Mark Penn speaks to journalists in New Hampshire before the state's primary.
Clinton strategist Mark Penn speaks to journalists in New Hampshire before the state's primary.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Mark Penn, left, chats with Democratic Leadership Conference founder and CEO Al From before Penn's presentation at the 2001 DLC National Conversation in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mark Penn, left, chats with Democratic Leadership Conference founder and CEO Al From before Penn's presentation at the 2001 DLC National Conversation in Indianapolis, Indiana.   (KRT Photos)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., is introduced before she speaks at the North Dakota Democratic Convention in Grand Forks, N.D., Friday, April 4, 2008.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., is introduced before she speaks at the North Dakota Democratic Convention in Grand Forks, N.D., Friday, April 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Details of Penn's talks with Colombian officials
New York Times

Change to Win calls for Penn to step down
Change to Win

 
Hillary Clinton • Colombia • labor unions • free trade • ambassador • Mark Penn • Change to Win

More Newser Stories

Clinton Aide Met With Colombians on Trade Deal

US Ambassador to Mexico Quits Over Cables Flap

Clinton Calls for Historic Meeting of US Envoys

Clinton Wants to Be President, Not VP

Obama Takes Back Clinton's Comments on Mexico
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne