Microsoft ends ties with Reed

Seattle PI | at | by Mike

Microsoft has severed its partnership with conservative consultant Ralph Reed, the company confirmed yesterday, ending for now a relationship that joined Microsoft with a powerful Republican dealmaker but also helped fuel a controversy over gay rights legislation.

Microsoft spokeswoman Ginny Terzano said the decision to end Reed's $20,000-a-month retainer was made in the past few weeks, portraying it as a routine reshuffling of consultants who regularly assist the far-flung company.