Who is Brian Paulson from A Drink Before the War and what is their importance?

Senator Brian Paulson is a friend of Senator Mulkern. He attends the first meeting that takes place with Patrick. On the day the Senate is supposed to vote on an street terrorism bill, Paulson calls for a break. It is later revealed that Paulson raped Roland Socia when he was a mere child. In the novel's conclusion, Paulson is still in hiding. He has, howeverm been given a deadline to turn himself in.