Yesterday the NY Times ran an expose on Washington think tanks acting as corporate lobbyists, and guess who made a cameo? In a photo, Senator Johnson is seen meeting with a corporate consultant for Verizon (who has already spent $5.4 million in lobbying this year). Now we know why he’s opposed faster internet speeds despite the fact that Wisconsin ranks 49th among states when it comes to download speeds.

“Senator Johnson has taken more than $90,000 from the telecom industry and spends his time in Washington meeting with Verizon’s corporate consultants, so it’s no surprise he opposes faster internet speeds. This photo is just another reminder that Senator Johnson has spent his time in Washington fighting for special interests not Wisconsinites,” said Harry Hartfield, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.  

Jeffrey A. Eisenach, left, with Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin. Working for the American Enterprise Institute, as well as Verizon and NERA Economic Consulting, Mr. Eisenach has opposed federal internet regulations. Credit Drew Angerer for The New York Times.