In the last couple of days, big time mainstream republicans have backed Tillerson for Secretary of State.  The problem is, though, that they left out a little detail about their endorsements: they all work for Tillerson’s company, Exxon Mobil.

James Baker, Secretary of State under Bush I and who led the recount effort for Bush II, strongly endorsed Tillerson, hailing his “management skills”.  He left out the fact that his law firm, Baker Botts, represents Exxon including a price fixing allegation against the company.

Robert Gates and Condoleezza Rice also strongly endorsed Tillerson heaping praise on his abilities and suitability for the job, but dodging questions about his close relationship with Vladimir Putin.  They also left out the fact that their consulting firm, Rice Hadley Gates, also works for Exxon.

Most of the MSM has ignored the clear conflicts in these endorsements.  Politico is reporting it and surprisingly, since there is no Ebola outbreak this month, so is CNN.