We denizens of that wee New England state, Connecticut, don't want our fellow kossacks to be lulled into believing that our race for Senate is somehow not important because Joenertia claims he'll caucus with the Democrats. For those who lack the backbone to fight for Lamont for fear of insulting Lieberman - as most all Democratic bigwigs are doing - look closely at
this FEC fundraising report for donations to Lieberman:
If you can't read this entry well, I'll tell you who that $2,100 donation is from: Richard M. Scaife.
Don't know who is Richard M. Scaife? Follow me after the flip and I'll fill you in...
According to
People for the American Way:
- Richard Scaife is a right-wing billionaire who has subsidized many of the Right's formative institutions and organizations for the past thirty years. Scaife has given away at least $340 million dollars to promote right-wing causes.
- Richard Scaife is #378 on the list of wealthiest people in the World, worth approximately $1.2 billion dollars. Scaife's fortune comes from his position as heir to the Mellon banking and oil fortune. Scaife has channeled his money into philanthropic interests and publishing.
- Scaife's recent period of notable influence in the 1990's corresponded with his active, visible support of anti-Clinton conspiracy theories and being viewed as part of the "vast right-wing conspiracy." Scaife supported
Judicial Watch and the
Landmark Legal Foundation in 1997 for their work to file lawsuits against the Clinton administration on a multitude of topics, ranging from campaign finance to the FBI files-gathering controversy.
- In a rare interview in 1999 with John F. Kennedy, Jr in George Magazine, Scaife spoke openly about his belief that there is truth behind the accusations that the Clintons were involved in the deaths of 60 friends and employees. His newspaper, Pittsbrugh Tribune-Review, also printed allegations suggesting that certain officials in the Clinton administration were murdered.
- During the period of critical growth for many right-wing institutions, Scaife gave approximately $200 million to conservative causes from 1974 through the end of the Bush administration in 1992. Scaife's early contributions to Heritage Foundation in 1976 were "absolutely critical" according to Heritage's president, Ed Feulner.
- Scaife's early support of American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) helped the influential grassroots policy organization get started.
- Scaife's support of candidate Nixon in 1972 is legendary; Scaife gave 330 checks for $3,000 each to 330 "dummy" organizations that fronted for Nixon's campaign. After the Watergate scandal Scaife called for Nixon's resignation.
No one was more of a factor in funding and fueling the witchhunt against the Clintons than Richard Scaife. This is a highly partisan, Wingnut, lying ass Republican. So far as we know, Lieberman has not given back this money, especially since Scaife's name appears on Joenertia's FEC report. Joe must answer for taking this money.
One last thing: I found when I have phone banked for Lamont, I have found that the issue that helped me persuade those considering voting for Lieberman to switch to Lamont has been the source of his general election fundraising. I was able to switch at least four votes by pointing out the number of Publican bigwigs funding Lieberman. These voters understand that these donors expect some sort of Quid Pro Quo for the money they spend. I think it imperative that we push this issue.
Update [2006-10-29 12:20:2 by John Campanelli]:: Unlike many here at DailyKos, I love the Clintons, especially Bill. Although I see their flaws, I think for the most part they have been a force for good. However, if they are not disturbed by Lieberman taking these funds from the patron saint of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and get off their asses and campaign for Ned, they have no one but themselves to blame if they continue to get the river of slimey sludge they have had thrown at them. Bill especially should come up here and campaign. Chappaqua is just 14 miles away from where Ned lives. It would be difficult to make a daytrip to support a clean-money Democrat. I think his endorsement of Loieberman helped, no matter what others claim. Lieberman lost by fewer points than he should have because of the rally Bill held for him in Waterbury.
Peter Doau, or other Clintonites, if you are reading this: is this enough to get your asses up here and campaign for Ned?