More evidence emerges that Chrysler Dealer closings was politically motivated

The American Thinker ^ | May 27, 2009 | Rick Moran

[Scanian]

I wrote yesterday of the possibility that Chrysler dealers who had been given the ax were disproportionately Republican - many of them large contributors to GOP candidates and the RNC.

Now comes more evidence that these dealer closings were politically motivated. Through Reliapundit at Astute Bloggers, we learn that the lawyer for the dealers being torpedoed believes that the closings were ordered not by Chrysler, but by the White House: (via Reuters )

A lawyer for Chrysler dealers facing closure as part of the automaker's bankruptcy reorganization said on Tuesday he believes Chrysler executives do not support a plan to eliminate a quarter of its retail outlets. Lawyer Leonard Bellavia, of Bellavia Gentile & Associates, who represents some of the terminated dealers, said he deposed Chrysler President Jim Press on Tuesday and came away with the impression that Press did not support the plan.

"It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom of terminating 25 percent of its dealers," Bellavia said. "It really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous pressure from the President's automotive task force."

The dealer closings were not ordered by the bankruptcy judge but by the White House. This puts a whole new light on how the dealers to be closed were chosen and, more importantly, who did it.

And Jim Hoft has found an incredible piece of information. Apparently, a politically connected group of Democrats who own six Chrysler dealerships not only were allowed to keep them, but their competition was deep sixed. Hoft has a link to a blog on the Chrysler dealer shutdowns run by Joey Smith who reports:

[Oldexpat]

There is a list of minority owned car dealers. Somebody needs to check that against cancelations and contributions.
My guess is no minority owned dealers were canceled.

[RebelTXRose]

Thanks for posting!

I thought I saw where a dealer near Houston was joining a couple of other dealers shut down in taking this to court. TAKING their inventory for which they PAID and still have outstanding debt and GIVING it to another dealer is flat out wrong. I know a lawsuit could take quite some time to make it to the Supreme Court.

[richiep]

It never made sense why there was a need to close successful dealerships. If they were not successful they would close their doors on their own.

Is it possible that the Administration is this stupid or are they that arrogant and/or criminal?

[A_Former_Democrat]

Interesting too that all those locations are in Republican areas.

[savedbygrace]

One thing would happen: The dealers would win their lawsuits. Just maybe talk radio would tell their listeners why they won.

Maybe.

[Aria]

I wonder why the lawyer didn't flat out ask Chrysler in the deposition the question - who decided which dealerships are to be closed!

Why just let it be left to the attorney's “impression”?

[henkster]

You are, unfortunately, quite right.

[bmwcyle]

ping

[Beagle8U]

Rush! was just talking about the Republican donating dealers being shut down.

If you listen to Rush! online as you read FR, you will find that he covers every story, every day, that is in the FR breaking news sidebar.

[wpa_mikeb]

Sadly, in today’s Obamamerica. it doesn’t matter if it’s proven or not. the media won’t report it and you’re a racist for even thinking it.

Around here, nobody can explain why the dealers forced to close were chosen.

[brydic1]

It may be African Socialism but the real practitioners of this brand of socialism lies immediately to our south, Mexico. This brand of socialism has always existed in Mexico and along with millions of their illegals is coming right here to the states.

[NCjim]

I would think of nothing less from this group of Chicago thugs. Pray for our country.

[chuck_the_tv_out]

chryslergate.com is available.
dealergate.com is not.

[jackv]

And WHO is going to do something about this corruption????

[JoeA]

Let me weigh in on this, as I'm in the business. Unless they haven't sold a new car in months, no minority owned store will ever be closed. This has nothing to do with Obama [it pains me to say this], and has everything to do with the Feds for years pressuring the big 3 to have more "minority" owned stores. Ford, for example, this past year allowed minority owners to purchase the remainder of their stores for $1.00 if they could show the financial wherewithal to cover their debt.

[Vet_6780]

Not surprising that an African-American President is destroying the rule of law considering how well that policy has worked in Africa to attract private investment [/sarc].

[hoosiermama]

Freedom of information law suits should be filed immediately. Get the emails/hard drives etc that all notifications were sent on. Trace it to their source.

[GeronL]

who picked the dealerships?

[BJClinton]

you may be interested in this

[Doohickey]

What’s unbelievable that behavior that would be cause for resignation at best and impeachment at worst is now shrugged off as being part of the political game.