Today's issue of Hill profiles Chandler Keys, chief lobbyist for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Keys, who "helped the industry steer clear of a public backlash" -- and adequate public health safeguards [3] -- following the December discovery of mad cow disease in America [4], is described as someone who "talks tough with policymakers [5] but harbors a sentimental side." During the interview, "Keys was interrupted by a phone call from the White House. Upset by what he was hearing... Keys barked into the receiver, 'You're giving us shit sandwiches! Shit sandwiches!'... The message was clear: Don't mess with the cattlemen." The Center's John Stauber, co-author of Mad Cow USA [6], has butted heads with the sentimental Mr. Keys in debates on CNN [7].