Solyndra inquisitor Stearns heads to consulting firm

Former Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), who spearheaded the House GOP’s investigation of failed solar firm Solyndra, has accepted a position with the Washington public relations firm APCO Worldwide.

Stearns will become a senior adviser for the firm and serve on its International Advisory Council.

"APCO's team has a great record in helping clients achieve their goals," Stearns said in a statement. "I look forward to contributing my breadth of experience in telecommunications and technology, as well as international trade, to such a strong team of former government officials, corporate communicators, business leaders and media experts.”


Stearns was defeated in a Republican primary last summer by Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) after serving 12 terms from Florida’s 6th district. Yoho, a veterinarian and newcomer to politics, received strong backing from the Tea Party and defeated Democrat J. R. Gaillot in the general election.

As chairman of the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee, Stearns was tasked with leading the GOP’s investigation of Solyndra, which filed for bankruptcy after receiving loan guarantees from the Energy Department. 

Conceding defeat to Yoho in August, Stearns said he was “disappointed” that he wouldn’t be able to continue leading investigations into the Obama administration.  

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