Anheuser-Bush is joining Nike as sponsors "sticking with Lance Armstrong," while Radio Shack, his most recent team sponsor, "did not have any immediate response Friday to questions about its deal with Armstrong." A-B VP/Marketing Paul Chibe said, "Our partnership with Lance remains unchanged. He has inspired millions with his athletic achievement and his commitment to helping cancer survivors and their families" (CNN.com, 8/24). Trek Bicycle Corp. said that it "was monitoring the situation." There was "no immediate comment" from sponsors Johnson Health Tech and Oakley. Energy bar maker Honey Stinger, which is co-owned by Armstrong, said that it will "continue working with him and will continue to support" the foundation (REUTERS, 8/24).
How Livestrong responds to the situation "will be of key interest" in DC. Since '10, the charity has retained Podesta Group to lobby the federal government. The nonprofit spent $50,000 on federal lobbying in '10, $150,000 in '11 and is on pace to spend $160,000 this year, financial records indicate (POLITICO.com, 8/24).
