I’ve often suggested that, under Larry Summers’ leadership, Harvard is adopting the style, norms and culture of Washington, D.C. Now there’s even more proof of that—a fact so bizarre that even I’m startled by it.

Let’s start with a pop quiz.

Which of these things is not like the others?

a) The American-Israel Public Affairs Committee
b) The Association of American Railroads
c) The Nuclear Energy Institute
d) The American Association of Airport Executives
e) The Confederation of Indian Industry
f) Harvard University

And the answer is: None. At least in one important matter they’re all the same.

(Sorry, it was kind of a trick question.)

According to USA Today, these groups were among the ten largest sponsors of privately funded travel for members of Congress. That is to say, they paid congresspeople and senators to fly around the country on junkets—the same thing for which Tom DeLay is now on the hot seat.

And yes, that’s Harvard, right up there at #6, between the Association of American Railroads and the Nuclear Energy Institute. Between 2000 and 2005, Harvard spent about $313, 000 on travel for members of Congress. (I’d bet the amounts increased after 2001, when Larry Summers became president.)

To which one can only say: Huh? What is Harvard doing on a list of Washington influence-buyers?

Possibly some of this money was spent flying MOCs to the Kennedy School for “panel discussions.” But I’d really like to know who Harvard was flying around and why….

Perhaps the Crimson’s Zachary Seward or Mary Habib can find out…..