New developments in the congressional probe into failed solar panel maker Solyndra LLC shed light on what Republicans are calling the close relationship between the White House and an Oklahoma billionaire donor whose foundation was deeply invested in the company.
Pressing the White House to release documents in response to a recent congressional subpoena, leaders on the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday questioned the notion that no political influence played a role in more than a half billion dollars in government loans awarded to Solyndra.
The company went bankrupt in September, just two years after winning a $535 million loan guarantee package from the Department of Energy (DOE). Its investors included the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Mr. Kaiser was a big fundraiser for Mr. Obama in 2008.
Among a batch of new records released Wednesday, an email from Ken Levit, executive director of the foundation, to Steve Mitchell, who served on Solyndra’s board, laid bare the extent of the enthusiasm for the project inside the White House.
“They about had an orgasm in Biden’s office when we mentioned Solyndra,” the Feb. 27, 2010, email read.
But a White House spokesman disputed any political influence in the awarding of loans to Solyndra, accusing congressional Republicans of providing incomplete information.
Solyndra probe sheds light on its relationship with White House - Washington Times
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