SEN. JOHN ROCKEFELLER (D-WV)

During the time that the US was engaged in a war with Iraq, Sen. Rockefeller made a quick-trade stock purchase in a defense company--Raytheon Corp.

Sen. Rockefeller purchased between 15,000 and 50,000 dollars worth of stock in Raytheon on February 7, 1991 (right in the middle of the air-campaign against Iraq). He later sold this stock by March 6, 1991 for a reported capital gains between 200 and 1,000 dollars.

Raytheon is, of course, primarily known for manufacturing the Patriot Missiles (the so-called "hero" of the Gulf War).

Interestingly enough, President Bush sent his 1992 budget proposal to Congress on February 4, 1991. Apparently, specific details concerning appropriations didn't surface until February 8, 1991 (ONE DAY after Sen. Rockefeller's purchase). The Boston Globe noted, on February 8, that Raytheon was expected to receive a portion of the $1.0 billion for 1,191 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, and a portion of the $1.4 billion for the MilStar satellite communications system. In addition, Raytheon was slated to receive $145 million to upgrade the Patriot missiles.

I should note that Sen. Rockefeller's ONLY OTHER stock purchase during 1991 was Pepsico (12/23/91 for between 100,000 and 250,000 dollars). His Raytheon purchase really stands-out.

VOTE NOTES: Sen. Rockefeller voted NAY on the resolution to use force against Iraq.

NOTES: Sen. Rockefeller is # 1 on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space; he is # 1 on the Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee.