LAT: Businesses Asked to Fund (Schwarzenegger) Trip to China

[DeepModem Mom]

Businesses Asked to Fund Governor's Trip to China
Administration says the effort will save taxpayers money, but experts have concerns over conflicts.
By Peter Nicholas, Times Staff Writer


SACRAMENTO — To pay for a coming trade mission to China, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political allies are raising tens of thousands of dollars from businesses whose names are largely being concealed.

In addition, at least two of the three public relations firms playing a role in the visit have political ties to Schwarzenegger. One has a West Coast affiliate co-owned by the governor's chief fundraiser.

Those arranging the weeklong trip, which will follow the special election next month, are crafting an itinerary that potentially offers the traveling business delegation exclusive access to Chinese officials and a private reception with Schwarzenegger. The list of companies joining him is not yet complete.

Schwarzenegger and his supporters want donations to two tax-exempt groups that have championed his interests, and to a government fund meant to boost overseas trade. The money will help cover expenses for the governor's tour of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The administration says the fundraising effort saves taxpayers money, but experts in public ethics question the governor's practice and the access it affords private interests....


http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-china24oct24,0,5142830.story?coll=la-tot-promo&track=morenews

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Special interests! Hypocrisy alert!

[tanyev]

2. If they buy him a one-way ticket, I'd support it.

[elehhhhna]

3. I'll chip in if it's a one way ticket.

[kineneb]

13. I got $2 to add to the kitty for the one way ticket

Kinda broke otherwise. But Arnie, you need to leave. You might do well there.

A Californian who did not vote for that jerk and will vote against all of his ballot measures.:mad:

[Tight_rope]

14. Me too!

[livetohike]

4. Arnie the governor who said "I have plenty of money,"

I don't need to take money from special interests.

He has lost much support here in CA. He'll find out how much he lost when his propositions fail on Nov. 8.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. He DID run on that line, didn't he! Thanks for the reminder, live. nt

[eek]

6. Everyone's goin' to China these days.

NYT's Bill Keller
rumsfelch

ummm...some other people but i forget.


also, mustn't forget:

<<This is GW's Uncle Prescott, Jr. During the embargo on China, his company was the only US firm allowed to do business there, exporting communications satellites.
He recently retired as the Chairman of the USA-China Chamber of Commerce, which might be one reason China isn't part of the Axis of Evil. (more on China) He also has ties to Manuel Noriega >>
http://www.hereinreality.com/familyvalues.html

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Posted before the Coast was awake -- kicking.

[pinniped]

8. I'm impressed, the Gropenator is doing it to save us Californians $$$$.

Think I'll change my party affiliation now.

Who else is down?

--The administration says the fundraising effort saves taxpayers money, but experts in public ethics question the governor's practice and the access it affords private interests....--

[olddad56]

9. it is a lie. ....

I personally know one person who is going on the trip, and has no business going. The taxpayers of the state of California will be paying for his and most of the other's trip. the taxpayers will pay for this trip. If the business' kicked in money, it would go to the knuckle-dragging Neanderthal nazi goon's own private coffers.

[DeepModem Mom]

10. Whoa! If Arnie's lining his pockets in this way...

I wish it could be brought to light!

[olddad56]

12. me too...

I don't know where the money would go, but I would like to kow why the person I know (an aquaintance, not a friend) is even going on this trip to China. He is stashed away in a an executive level state job, like so many other of Arnold's campaign staff, but he travels with the governor often. It makes no sense other than his specialty is spinning propaganda that appears in the Sacramento paper as news. He approves what the journalists (stenographers) write. Not all journalists, just a few.

[msongs]

11. Culture of Corruption now linked to arnold - use it in TV ads!!!

the dems in CA are failing to link bush and arnold in their TV ads, that arnold's ballot issues are promoting the bush agenda, and CA does NOT like bush at all.

the dems need to link bush/arnold and can now tie arnold into the Culture of Corruption along with bush.

bet the dems in CA will miss this great opportunity tho :-(

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[leesa]

15. Only if they keep him.