Mark Penn's Firm Paid $4.3 Million By Clinton Campaign

[NYCGirl]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/06/mark-penns-firm-paid-4_n_85192.html

Through the course of the primary, Penn's consulting firm, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, has been paid more than $4.3 million by the Clinton campaign, according to a review of campaign finance filings.

That total, compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, includes receipts for tasks ranging from polling and consulting to mail expenses and even photography. It does not include the $1.5 million the Clinton campaign is in debt to the firm.

Sen. Barack Obama's chief adviser, David Axelrod, has not done too poorly either. His firm, AKP media (for which Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe also serves) was paid more than $1 million by the Obama campaign, primarily for media activities.

Neither campaign returned requests for comment.

It is not uncommon for candidates to spend their cash on the firms and companies associated with their advisers. And the elongated primary, combined with the historic fundraising totals, have pushed campaign expenditures increasingly higher. Still, the totals taken in by Penn and, to a lesser extent, Axelrod represent significant hauls for a year-plus work.

CASH BREAKDOWNS AT LINK

[Mojambo]

1. I'm sure that money will be put to good use...

Attacking unions and working people.

[NYCGirl]

2. And defending Blackwater. NT

[Bread and Circus]

6. The sad thing is that it's the truth.... a portion of the campaign donations

are funneled to a company that defends black water, union busters, and corrupt governments.

[NYCGirl]

3. Kick

[TheWraith]

4. For some of the shittiest political advice I've ever seen on the national stage.

Rivaled only by whoever Saint Rudy had advising him.

[Avalux]

5. That's obscene and Penn is a slimy creep.

Reminds me a lot of Rove, I guess that's why Clinton wanted him.

[FrenchieCat]

7. They should just continue to give.....Hill supporters that is.

Their Gomama needs help!

[TexasObserver]

8. it sounds like a lot of money, but he had to buy his own Twinkies