When Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen praised Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois during last week's congressional hearing on the grocery chain's proposed $24.6 billion deal to buy Albertsons, McMullen left out a key word.
“First, thank you for all your support of organized retail crime," McMullen told Durbin. "It’s a huge help, so I just wanted to mention that.”
Quickly picking up on McMullen's omission, Durbin said, “My support in stopping organized retail crime." In fact, Durbin backs legislation to thwart the online sale of stolen and counterfeit goods. Durbin's correction sparked laughter in the audience of a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing in Washington.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who led the hearing, jumped in as well. “I was going to step in as the chair and clarify, senator,” she told Durbin.
“Very much accepted as the modification, totally agree, senator,” said McMullen.
When Klobuchar introduced McMullen as the hearing began, she referenced his humble beginning in the grocery industry. "He started his career as a part-time stock clerk in 1978 — very impressive,” she said.
McMullen told the hearing he began his career stocking shelves at a Kroger store in Lexington, Kentucky, "and I would never have imagined to have the job I have today."