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AAJ Urges U.S. Senate to Oppose Bush’s Nomination of Anti-Consumer Shill to Key Public Safety Post
Nominee Michael Baroody would be “Fox in Charge of Henhouse” at Consumer Product Safety Commission

Thursday, April 19, 2007 (Washington, DC)—The American Association for Justice (AAJ) today urged the U.S. Senate to stop President Bush’s nomination of long-time anti-consumer shill Michael Baroody to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the federal government’s chief consumer protection agency. The U.S. Senate will hold the nomination hearing on May 3rd.

“Once again President Bush wants to put a fox in charge of the henhouse – anti-consumer shill Michael Baroody as chairman of the CPSC,” said AAJ CEO Jon Haber. “Baroody’s nomination threatens the health and safety of every American. Like a dangerous choking hazard, it ought to be immediately recalled.”

[Hi-res copies of the internet “Fox in the Henhouse” campaign advertisements are available by contacting AAJ.]

The CPSC is the nation’s top agency charged with the vital task of ensuring the safety of virtually all consumer products. By nominating someone with more than a decade of anti-consumer lobbying, President Bush has revealed his contempt for the CPSC, its mission and the 300 million Americans it protects.

Baroody is currently a senior executive with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) – one of the most unrelenting opponents to the CPSC’s pro-consumer policies. During Baroody’s tenure, NAM has:

Fought to allow a higher level of arsenic in drinking water

NAM claimed that negligent manufacturers would feel a pinch in their profits if forced to prevent their waste products from poisoning local community water supplies.

Lobbied to keep corporate documents regarding unsafe products from the public

Over the years, the release of secret corporate documents in court cases has informed the public of corporate negligence and dangerous products. Secrecy agreements allow negligent corporations to hide this information from the public.

Lobbied to allow corporations to evade accountability for negligence no matter how deadly

Corporations that knowingly place dangerous or deadly products on the market such as unsafe baby cribs that kill small children or kids’ pajamas that easily catch fire would not be held accountable if Baroody and NAM get their way.

NAM has been a tireless promoter of anti-consumer legislation and policies. Baroody’s only experience in the field has been to shill for negligent corporations looking to evade accountability. As the watchdog of consumer safety, the CPSC needs someone with a pro-consumer record at its reins.

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As the world's largest trial bar, AAJ (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. Serving members worldwide, AAJ provides attorneys with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system. Visit http://www.justice.org