SH – USM official denies benefits from donation to Cochran
Robert Lochhead of Hattiesburg gave the maximum $2,300 contribution to U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., last election cycle, but the suggestion, made in a published report earlier this week, that he somehow did it to get something in return, really annoys the University of Southern Mississippi official.
“I personally have received nothing,” said Lochhead, director of the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, denying any linkage between his contribution — and those of his colleagues — and a $10.8 million earmark for polymer research at the university that Cochran attached to a military funding bill now before the Senate.
“I gave it to Sen. Cochran because I think he does a wonderful job for Mississippi,” said Lochhead. “I give contributions to people I want to see re-elected. There is no quid pro quo. We need good government.”
Sun-Herald
10/5/9
Magnolia Tribune
