Spitzer Helps Donors Skirt $10,000 Limit He Set (Norman Hsu gave to Gov after Hsu's fraud charge.)

NY Times ^ | March 4, 2008 | DANNY HAKIM

[neverdem]

ALBANY — On Dec. 3, Richard P. Richman, a real estate developer from Connecticut, wrote a check to Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s campaign account.

The check was for $10,000, less than one-fifth of the maximum donation allowed under New York State law. But it was all he could give to the governor, who had imposed strict limits on what he would accept from donors as part of his highly publicized pledge to end the excesses of special-interest money in Albany.

So Mr. Richman took out his checkbook again. This time he gave $15,000, but sent it to the state Democratic Party, which Mr. Spitzer is now tapping in his drive to rid Albany of the Republican Senate majority.

Dual donations like Mr. Richman’s are not uncommon. Despite his high-profile pledge, Mr. Spitzer’s political organization has raised more than $1 million above the cap he imposed on himself, by directing his donors to the state party account, which he controls.

The strategy has helped bring the governor and his party within one seat of gaining control of...

--snip--

Last May, the Democratic fund-raiser Norman Hsu donated $10,000 to Spitzer 2010 on check No. 1332, and then wrote check No. 1333, for $25,000, to the state party. The money was donated to charity after news reports surfaced that Mr. Hsu was a fugitive in a fraud case...

--snip--

While his aides cast Mr. Spitzer’s desire for control of the Senate in policy terms, removing the Republican majority would have a significant impact on the governor’s personal political situation, too. Mr. Spitzer’s administration faces three investigations related to efforts last summer to disseminate records of Mr. Bruno’s use of State Police escorts. The most aggressive investigation is being undertaken by the Senate, but it would almost certainly be shelved if the Democrats took power...

[neverdem]

WABC fires John Gambling, brings in Sliwa (WABC-AM - NYC & Metropolitan area)

I wonder how far local transmission gets from NYC by 770 WABC-AM?

FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.

[WoofDog123]

This man is a thug with almost no external veneer of civility.

[torchthemummy]

The check was for $10,000, less than one-fifth of the maximum donation allowed under New York State law. But it was all he could give to the governor, who had imposed strict limits on what he would accept from donors as part of his highly publicized pledge to end the excesses of special-interest money in Albany.

Only in Spitzer's mind would a self-imposed maximum contribution of $10,000 be considered a "strict" rule and a benchmark to combat "excesses of special-interest money." Only in New York politics would a limit of $50,000 (or a little more since the $10,000 was "less than one-fifth of the maximum") be considered a reasonable amount that non-special interests with special interests could ethically donate directly to a candidate when the federal limit is, what, $2400? Seriously is not Norman Hsu just one of many that only give because of special interests?

It doesn't take too much insight to notice the actual special interests that Richmond and others were paying for - to eliminate the Republican majority so as to make the "making out" of special interests with the Democrat politicians all that much more relaxed. Spitzer and NY Dems...hypocrisy is your name.

[torchthemummy]

The check was for $10,000, less than one-fifth of the maximum donation allowed under New York State law. But it was all he could give to the governor, who had imposed strict limits on what he would accept from donors as part of his highly publicized pledge to end the excesses of special-interest money in Albany.

Only in Spitzer's mind would a self-imposed maximum contribution of $10,000 be considered a "strict" rule and a benchmark to combat "excesses of special-interest money." Only in New York politics would a limit of $50,000 (or a little more since the $10,000 was "less than one-fifth of the maximum") be considered a reasonable amount that non-special interests with special interests could ethically donate directly to a candidate when the federal limit is, what, $2400? Seriously is not Norman Hsu just one of many that only give because of special interests?

It doesn't take too much insight to notice the actual special interests that Richmond and others were paying for - to eliminate the Republican majority so as to make the "making out" of special interests with the Democrat politicians all that much more relaxed. Spitzer and NY Dems...hypocrisy is your name.

[rod1]

Ah yes. Norman Hsu. Why is it we do not hear more about the this illegal money pipline for NY politicians (Hillary and crew). The politicos act as if they are now santized by giving tyhe money to charity. Not so. Long time association with big time crooks is what it is about.

Remeber, its the party of Marc Rich donations and pardons.

[GnL]

At some point during the Spitzer reign, the people may have to charge the governor’s mansion (and statehouse) with pitchforks. This man is scary dangerous. The legislature is not much better.

[Chode]

spitzer=goatse

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[wastedyears]

I’d rather just call him a POS.

[bmwcyle]

PA and NY have done so well with their current governors. /sarcasm

[mewzilla]

Meanwhile, on Troopergate, from a couple of weeks ago....

Police Lawyers, Spitzer Aides Met Before Troopergate Report

[The Mayor]

and now the democrats in Albany are pissed that Bloomberg donated 500,000 to the Republicans to help them keep the Senate.

As much as I dislike Bloomie, I am sure glad he did this. We can’t loose the senate, sure we are governed by rinos, but. If the dems get it they will redistrict this whole state and we will never see another Republican elected again.

[neverdem]

Thanks for the link.

[mewzilla]

Upstate so needs its own state.