Penchant for press releases ensnares Ed Markey

The Boston Globe reports:

No member of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation pounces as persistently on current events as Markey. The strategy has helped the Massachusetts Democrat gain valuable exposure over four decades in Congress, making him a hero for consumer advocacy and environmental groups.

But recent scrutiny of his letters to the Federal Trade Commission and other regulators urging an investigation into the health supplements distributor Herbalife reveal the perils of Markey’s quick response strategy. His intervention against Herbalife has drawn criticism because he became embroiled in a high-stakes Wall Street clash, coming down on the side of a wealthy hedge fund manager and big Democratic donor who is trying to leverage political connections in Washington for his own financial gain.

Markey’s actions in the case risk making him appear as an instrument of wealthy interests, rather than defender of the little guy.

Big government means annoying windbags like Senator Ed Markey.