[YogsVR4]

They are like any other dominate player in their industry. They'll be targets for and the scape goats weather its warrented or not. Microsoft, automakers, drug companies - they all get a stigmatism just by being the size they are. Add in the fact that Cheney used to be a part owner of Haliburton and it becomes a bigger deal.

The fact remains that Haliburton is one of only a few companies in the world that can do the job. They recieved their contracts the same way under the Clinton administration as they are now. Good or bad, they were being treated the same. The accouting offices are doing audits on their billing practices which is something they should do to every company regardless of who works or used to work for them.

As for companies getting preferential treatment. It happens. Maybe it shouldn't but it does all the time. Companies of all sizes do business with others based on who they know, past relationsships and unfortunately racial profiling (this is especially true for small businesses). The government should avoid the pitfalls when awarding contracts, but going with 'lowests bid' isn't the best way to get work done and every other aspect after 'can they do the job' is subjective. How fast, how well, experience, quality of staff and a host of others is in the eye of the beholder.

It would be unfair to any company to be excluded because of a government position held by any former employee. Should Heinz not provide ketchup to the US military if Kerry wins? Should Standard Oil not provide gas to US government vehicles because Rockefeller became a Senator? The list goes on, but I say ‘of course not’.