Glen Mandigo is a retired government-relations executive and former registered lobbyist. He co-founded Strategic Marketing Innovations, a Washington firm focused on federal appropriations, technology, defense, energy and research funding, and served as its president and chief executive officer.
Role at the time: Navatek lobbyist and co-founder of Strategic Marketing Innovations
Denied
Response to this claim
Susan Collins knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement in which Navatek campaign support was exchanged for her office's assistance obtaining federal contracts.
“I did not advise Navatek officials, nor would I advise any client, that support from Sen. Collins was contingent on campaign donations.”
Open source (opens in a new tab)The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Why we used this label
Relative to the alleged exchange, Mandigo expressly says he did not make support contingent on donations and never observed such behavior from Collins or her staff. This directly denies the alleged conduct.
Martin Kao alleged that Susan Collins knowingly linked Navatek campaign support to federal-contract assistance. Collins's office and other participants deny a quid pro quo, while official records establish separate illegal contributions by Navatek-linked actors.
