Reply #48: Enron trial puts onetime Bush backer in spotlight [View All]

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/misc/PrinterFriendlyPopup.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=uri:2006-01-30T190828Z_01_N30299847_RTRIDST_0_ENRON-TRIAL-BUSH.XML

WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - The start of the Enron trial on Monday puts the spotlight on former chief Ken Lay, a fundraiser of millions of dollars for George W. Bush who earned the presidential nickname "Kenny boy."

The criminal trial in Houston focuses on the collapse of the energy giant more than four years ago when Lay's connection with the White House evaporated as fast as Enron's billions.

With investigations being conducted into the ties between members of the U.S. Congress and corporate lobbyists, the long established political link between money and influence is undergoing new scrutiny.

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By 1999, Enron Corp. had given Bush more than $550,000, making it his No. 1 career patron, according to the Center of Public Integrity, which keeps track of such numbers.

By some other estimates, Lay has given about $1 million to Bush over the years.

When Bush ran for president in 2000, Lay earned the title of Bush "Pioneer" for having raised at least $100,000 in contributions to the presidential campaign.

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