Mine owner Robert Murray's political contributions:

[partylessinOhio]

This list is posted today on the Desert Morning News:

(sad to say this man is from Ohio)

Saturday, August 11, 2007
Salt Lake City

Gordon B. | 10:12 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Has Robert Murray bought enough political protection and corporate welfare?

Here's what the Federal Election Commission's individual contribution database shows:

MURRAY, ROBERT E
BEACHWOOD, OH 44122

NRSC - NONFEDERAL
07/18/2000 2500.00 20020260931
03/19/2001 275.00 21020071022
07/23/2002 670.00 22020602459

MURRAY, ROBERT E
PEPPER PIKE, OH 44122

NRSC - NONFEDERAL
09/08/1999 550.00 99020103668
03/29/2000 500.00 20020150307

BOND, CHRISTOPHER S

VIA MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND
09/21/2004 2000.00 24020843223

GANSKE, JOHN GREG

VIA GANSKE FOR SENATE
08/30/2002 1000.00 22020732612

MURKOWSKI, LISA

VIA LISA MURKOWSKI FOR US SENATE
09/20/2004 2000.00 24020872364

TALENT, JAMES MATTHES

VIA TALENT FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020092787
06/19/2002 1000.00 22020461463

KYL, JON

VIA JON KYL FOR U S SENATE
10/18/2005 2000.00 26020022092

TALENT, JAMES MATTHES

VIA TALENT FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
02/06/2006 2000.00 26020250601

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL

VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
08/12/2005 900.00 25020461894
08/12/2005 1100.00 25020461893

ISAKSON, JOHN HARDY

VIA GEORGIANS FOR ISAKSON
12/19/2005 2000.00 26020082172

SHIMKUS, JOHN M

VIA VOLUNTEERS FOR SHIMKUS
03/18/2004 2000.00 24990958026

PADGETT, JOY

VIA JOY PADGETT FOR CONGRESS
09/18/2006 2100.00 26960516450

MCGAVICK, MICHAEL SEAN

VIA FRIENDS FOR MIKE MCGAVICK
08/28/2006 2100.00 26020650303

GRAMS, RODNEY DWIGHT

VIA ROD GRAMS FOR CONGRESS
09/30/2006 2000.00 26940423207

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL

VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/12/2001 1000.00 22020021267

NETHERCUTT, GEORGE R

VIA NETHERCUTT FOR SENATE
06/30/2004 2000.00 24020621346

ALLEN, GEORGE

VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
09/06/2000 1000.00 20020302715

ALLEN, GEORGE

VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
03/22/2006 2000.00 26020350427

CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
11/02/2000 1000.00 20036544727

ABRAHAM, SPENCER SENATOR

VIA ABRAHAM SENATE 2000
08/08/2000 1000.00 20020321900

GORTON, SLADE

VIA FRIENDS FOR SLADE GORTON
09/05/2000 1000.00 20020331583

CHABOT, STEVE

VIA STEVE CHABOT FOR CONGRESS
10/23/1998 1000.00 98034044422

CHABOT, STEVE

VIA STEVE CHABOT FOR CONGRESS
10/23/2006 1000.00 26930671799

ALLARD, A WAYNE

VIA WAYNE ALLARD FOR UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE
09/26/2002 500.00 22020690186

PRYCE, DEBORAH D.

VIA PRYCE FOR CONGRESS
10/18/2006 1000.00 26940514935

ALLARD, A WAYNE

VIA WAYNE ALLARD FOR UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE
09/20/2002 1000.00 22020690186

BUNNING, JIM

VIA CITIZENS FOR BUNNING
02/23/2004 2000.00 24020200126

BURR, RICHARD M

VIA RICHARD BURR COMMITTEE
05/24/2004 2000.00 24020410442

COLEMAN, NORM

VIA NORM COLEMAN FOR U S SENATE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020112493

CRAIG, LARRY E

VIA CRAIG FOR U S SENATE
10/18/2001 1000.00 22020030131

ENSIGN, JOHN E

VIA ENSIGN FOR SENATE
09/22/2005 2000.00 25020490102

DICKEY, JAY W JR

VIA DICKEY FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
08/14/2002 500.00 22992716483
08/14/2002 500.00 22993028854

POMBO, RICHARD

VIA RICHARD POMBO FOR CONGRESS
09/28/2006 2100.00 26930453424

PORTMAN, ROBERT J

VIA PORTMAN FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
04/26/2004 2000.00 24961791867

LATOURETTE, STEVEN C

VIA LATOURETTE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
03/14/1997 1000.00 97032272238
12/15/1997 1000.00 98032723374
12/07/1999 1000.00 20035180783

TIBERI, PATRICK J

VIA TIBERI FOR CONGRESS
10/09/2000 1000.00 20036383788
10/09/2000 1000.00 20036354471

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
12/31/2005 441.00 26950018981
12/31/2005 2083.00 26950018982
06/30/2006 265.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 265.00 26960539600
12/31/2006 416.00 27980019580
03/31/2007 265.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 265.00 27980073902

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
03/04/1997 290.00 97020051490
08/27/1997 380.00 97032412369

BURNS, CONRAD

VIA FRIENDS OF CONRAD BURNS - 2006
09/13/2006 2100.00 26020743047

RICKETTS, PETE

VIA NEBRASKA FAMILIES FOR PETE RICKETTS INC
10/18/2006 2000.00 26020952051

KENNEDY, MARK RAYMOND

VIA MARK KENNEDY 06
02/13/2006 2000.00 26020471283

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
11/02/2000 300.00 20036563501

SPECTER, ARLEN

VIA CITIZENS FOR ARLEN SPECTER
04/16/2004 2000.00 24020460529

HAGEL, CHARLES T

VIA HAGEL FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
12/06/2000 1000.00 21020031354

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V

VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
11/02/2004 2000.00 24021140800

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V

VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
06/21/2007 2300.00 27020262295

BURNS, CONRAD

VIA FRIENDS OF CONRAD BURNS - 2000
07/27/2000 1000.00 20020292006

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
07/23/2004 15000.00 24020662185

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
10/17/2006 10000.00 26020932361

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
06/30/2006 833.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 1249.00 26960539600
10/18/2006 416.00 26960589571
11/27/2006 833.00 26980184172
03/31/2007 1249.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 1249.00 27980073902

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/04/1997 5000.00 97031954742

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/08/2000 1000.00 20035601230

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
05/20/1999 5000.00 99034533916

KASICH 2000
06/30/1999 1000.00 99034563500

LAZIO, RICK A

VIA LAZIO 2000 INC
11/04/2000 1000.00 20020432257

HUTCHINSON, TIM

VIA HUTCHINSON FOR SENATE
09/10/2002 1000.00 22020702985

BROWNBACK, SAMUEL DALE

VIA BROWNBACK FOR PRESIDENT INC
05/04/2007 1000.00 27930930864
05/04/2007 1300.00 27930930865

GILLMOR, PAUL E

VIA CITIZENS FOR GILLMOR
07/28/2004 2000.00 24971735606

SMITH, ROBERT C

VIA BOB SMITH FOR U S SENATE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020070097

DRAKE, GRACE L

VIA DRAKE FOR CONGRESS
11/06/1998 1000.00 98034093724

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL

VIA DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/30/1997 1000.00 98020044180
10/30/1997 1000.00 98020044180

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V

VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
08/24/1998 1000.00 98020231223

FOLTIN, CRAIG MR.

VIA FOLTIN FOR CONGRESS
07/07/2006 2100.00 26960498462

THUNE, JOHN

VIA JOHN THUNE FOR SOUTH DAKOTA
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020043578

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/04/1998 5000.00 98033041685

WILSON, CHARLES A

VIA FRIENDS OF CHARLIE WILSON
06/30/2005 2000.00 25970610891

HALLECK, MIKE

VIA HALLECK FOR CONGRESS
06/18/2002 1000.00 22991255884

HOLLISTER, NANCY P

VIA HOLLISTER FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
12/11/1997 1000.00 98032713749
10/15/1998 1000.00 98034044190

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V

VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
10/29/2001 500.00 22020033390

NEY, ROBERT W

VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
11/19/1997 2000.00 98032683636
12/04/1997 -1000.00 98032683636
12/04/1997 1000.00 98032683636

NEY, ROBERT W

VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
11/29/1999 1000.00 20035081828

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
10/02/2003 1000.00 23992302980

DAVIS, GEOFFREY C

VIA GEOFF DAVIS FOR CONGRESS
09/18/2006 2100.00 26950587980

BUSH, GEORGE W

VIA BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
06/30/2003 1000.00 23991421339

BUSH, GEORGE W

VIA BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
09/30/2003 1000.00 23992057504

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL

VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/17/2006 1200.00 26020942668

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
12/31/2002 -238.00 23990125515
11/08/2004 -1007.00 24991325300

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
06/30/2001 1548.00 21990187800
12/31/2001 1830.00 22990088229
06/30/2002 844.00 22991205093
09/30/2002 844.00 22991923952
11/25/2002 2422.00 22992811095
12/31/2002 281.00 23990125495
12/31/2003 1267.00 24990155690

DAVIS, GEOFFREY C

VIA GEOFF DAVIS FOR CONGRESS
03/22/2004 2000.00 24991068767

DINGELL, JOHN D MR.

VIA JOHN D. DINGELL FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
06/14/2002 1000.00 22991371746

NEY, ROBERT W

VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
10/25/2004 2000.00 24981436407

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
09/23/2005 3000.00 25971111285
02/13/2006 1000.00 26970104540
04/06/2007 5000.00 27990075477

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
02/23/2001 1000.00 21990340440

CONSERVATIVE VICTORY FUND
10/20/2006 3000.00 26940620630

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
09/25/2002 1000.00 22992302224

FORRESTER, DOUGLAS R

VIA FORRESTER 2002
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063

CORNYN, JOHN

VIA TEXANS FOR SENATOR JOHN CORNYN INC
09/30/2002 500.00 22020672009

GRAHAM, LINDSEY OLIN

VIA LINDSEY GRAHAM FOR SENATE
10/22/2002 1000.00 22020913252

INHOFE, JAMES M

VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
11/01/2002 1000.00 22020970117

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
06/30/2001 220.00 21990187800
12/31/2001 260.00 22990088230

GRAHAM, LINDSEY OLIN

VIA LINDSEY GRAHAM FOR SENATE
10/22/2002 1000.00 22020913252

FORRESTER, DOUGLAS R

VIA FORRESTER 2002
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063

INHOFE, JAMES M

VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
10/24/2002 1000.00 22020970118

INHOFE, JAMES M

VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
03/26/2007 2300.00 27020150762

KEAN, THOMAS H JR

VIA TOM KEAN FOR US SENATE INC
09/13/2006 2100.00 26020863767

CORKER, ROBERT P JR

VIA BOB CORKER FOR SENATE
10/24/2006 1000.00 26021091395

CORNYN, JOHN

VIA TEXANS FOR SENATOR JOHN CORNYN INC
09/30/2002 1000.00 22020672009

HOBSON, DAVID LEE

VIA HOBSON FOR CONGRESS
10/23/2003 1000.00 24990027844

HARRIS, KATHERINE

VIA FRIENDS OF KATHERINE HARRIS
05/11/2006 2000.00 26020421393

STEELE, MICHAEL

VIA STEELE FOR MARYLAND INC
06/09/2006 2000.00 26020422455

PARKE, GREGORY TARLE

VIA FRIENDS OF GREG PARKE
03/30/2006 1000.00 26020391404

SANTORUM, RICHARD J

VIA SANTORUM 2006
11/22/2005 2000.00 26020161236

MURPHY, TIM

VIA TIM MURPHY FOR CONGRESS
10/21/2004 2000.00 24991350468

LATOURETTE, STEVEN C

VIA LATOURETTE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
07/29/2004 2000.00 24962435144
11/05/2006 2000.00 26940731363

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
07/01/2002 500.00 22991614889

---------------

Edit to add link:
http://deseretnews.com/user/comments/1,5150,695199937,00.html

[KharmaTrain]

1. He Runs His Own PAC...

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
12/31/2005 441.00 26950018981
12/31/2005 2083.00 26950018982
06/30/2006 265.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 265.00 26960539600
12/31/2006 416.00 27980019580
03/31/2007 265.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 265.00 27980073902


Looks like he antes in quarterly...and it'd be interesting to see who else does as well. Follow this money and you may find some real good dirt. Remember, it's the PACs moving their money around that get lost in the netherworld and end up on the politicians pockets...just ask Jack Abramoff.

[malaise]

8. The Shit is about to hit the fan

Miners had complained and said supervisors knew about the problem.
Always profits before safety says Bob Ridel.
I hope the Dems expose Murray and his Rethug friends. Murray says there will be nothing in the investigation that shows his company doing anything wrong.
It was all nature says Murray.

Now how does he know that in advance - follow the money.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Where's The UMW?

They've been very quiet lately. I've only seen quotes from them on the blogs and precious little on the corporate media. Now if they bought some commerical time on CNN wanna bet they'd get on one of those talking head panels?

The real dirty story here is how the corporate media is being bought off...still allowing Murray to spew his lies despite knowing it's all bullshit. Sadly, I think the game plan here is to drag this story beyond the corporate media's short-term attention. Soon there'll be another dead blonde or drunk Hollywood startlet or other distractions...the cameras will be packed up, the search will be called off, the mine sealed and Murray goes his merry little way.

[malaise]

13. It's another great eye opener

Ordinary workers have no meaning to these robber barons and their corporate media friends.

[Buzz Clik]

2. And your point is what?

That Republicans cannot run a business? Oversee a coal mine?

Or that people in positions of leadership in business and industry aren't allowed to have political affiliations?

[partylessinOhio]

3. Point of information.

[Bluebear]

9. They cannot run a SAFE coal mine, evidently.

There were hundreds of safety complaints at his mine and yet operations continued.

[Drunken Irishman]

16. Well I don't think that has anything to do with his ideology.

I'm sure there are some bad mines owned by Democrats, as well as high quality mines owned by Republicans.

The point is, this guy is an asshole. Republican or not.

[Bluebear]

17. 'I'm sure there are some bad mines owned by Democrats' - you're sure are you?

A fair and balanced post.

[Drunken Irishman]

19. Are you telling me Democrats are perfect in their business endeavors?

There are a lot of mines out there, it's only logical to assume that many are owned by men and women that give money to Democrats. And it's just as logical to assume some of those mines probably violate some of the rules we currently have in place.

[Buzz Clik]

28. This thread ranks as probably the most ridiculous of the summer.

That this guy appears to be an jackass is indisputable. That his prickishness has anything to do with being a Republican is pretty damned goofy. The suggestion that Democrats -- and only Democrats -- run safe mines is totally fucked up.

[Bluebear]

32. Right, Murray's PAC has had nothing to do with easing mine safety standards.

Whatever, as they say.

[B Calm]

20. This MF was in front of congress just awhile back and was screaming

about how safe his mines were. He said the union was making up lies about him.

[Drunken Irishman]

21. I don't discount that.

He's an anti-union asshole and I hope his feet are held to the fire he created. However him being a Republican really isn't the issue here. The fact he's lying and trying to cover up something is far greater in my mind than his party affiliation.

[B Calm]

22. He's lying because he knows he's paid off enough republicans

to keep him out of trouble!

[Drunken Irishman]

23. Hopefully the truth comes out.

I wouldn't be surprised though if it's swept under the rug.

[KharmaTrain]

26. So All Those Thousands/Millions Of Dollars Donated Bring Nothing?

That's as silly as Hillary saying that lobbyist money really doesn't influence her. Tell it to the hand.

Murray's used his money...including, if you'll look at that list, his own Political Action Committee that bought influence that has prevented Mine safety laws from being both enacted and enforced. His money bought him a special table in the "energy task force" that all but shut out any viable alternative energy development and protected his industry...and it's being used to shield him from being held accountable for the conditions that led to this tragedy.

His money and politics are there for you to see...and I'll bet if you dig into that PAC, you'll see a money laundering operation that furthers this ruse he's playing.

[Buzz Clik]

30. I'm curious -- can you back this up?

Murray's used his money...including, if you'll look at that list, his own Political Action Committee that bought influence that has prevented Mine safety laws from being both enacted and enforced.

I'll confess to being out of the information loop today, but has someone demonstrated that he has prevented the enaction (i.e., stopped votes somehow) and enforcement of mine safety laws?

[KharmaTrain]

31. Here's Where To Start...

In the listing of the candidates in the original post...this was buried within...

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
12/31/2005 441.00 26950018981
12/31/2005 2083.00 26950018982
06/30/2006 265.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 265.00 26960539600
12/31/2006 416.00 27980019580
03/31/2007 265.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 265.00 27980073902

First, understand what a PAC is and how it operates. It's been a longtime GOOP tool to funnel money around under the campaign and FEC finance regulations. This is how DeLay funded his Texas redistricting...and now stands on trial for it...moving money from one PAC to another. As you can see, Murray not only has this type of fund, but has been contributing quarterly to it...and I'll bet if we do some digging at opensecrets we could find others who donate to this special PAC...other employees for sure (stay on the boss' good side) and other coal operators. Then the question is where does this money go? Follow the money and I'll bet we'll find it went to stop lots of legislation, lawsuits and other "irritations" in Mr. Murray's world.

Cheers....

[Buzz Clik]

33. I get it. The key word here is INUENDO. Powerful stuff.

not.

[KharmaTrain]

35. So Murray's A Great Guy, Huh?

Sorry, I don't have hours to dig for specifics...I trust we'll learn more in the days ahead about how his money was spread around...and how people died cause of it.

Yep...inuendo indeed.

[Kingshakabobo]

34. Did you READ post #24 before you put your foot in your mouth?

The guy is a major league asshole.

[Buzz Clik]

39. Asshole for sure.

The rest -- not so clear.

We'll see.

[Maddy McCall]

29. Has this one run a business?

Death trap, maybe.

[ecstatic]

37. Maybe it's time for him to lead a non-Republican lifestyle

His donations have contributed to the downfall of this nation and maybe if he's sued to the point where he has nothing left he will see the error of his ways.

[Lost4words]

4. Great Caesars Ghosts!

evidently he is more than a casual supporter of the RW and such exemplary torch bearers of equality as George Allen.

[Poiuyt]

5. I didn't see Al Gore's name on that list!

[Buns_of_Fire]

11. But you DO see Katherine Harris'...

His bona fides have been noted, no doubt.

I'm surprised, given the current environment, that he hasn't been appointed Federal Director of Mines, or whatever the post is titled.

[havocmom]

6. $$ for pols, not so much for safety

well, other than his own, of course

[BurtWorm]

7. What a surprise.

Not.

:eyes:

[Diane R]

12. K&R Lots of Washington state repulsive repubs.....Slade Gorton, Mike McGavick, George Nethercutt.

[mountainvue]

14. Jesus. That's ugly. n/t

[MonkeyFunk]

15. LOL

2k to Katherine Harris - yeah, that's well-spent.

But oddly, nothing to Orrin Hatch?

[Maru Kitteh]

42. He probably thinks Katherine Harris is cute

and misunderstood.

[B Calm]

18. Robert is an anti union bastard & should be sued for all of his money

and thrown in jail for murder!

[fooj]

24. I believe that he was a member of Cheney's "secret" energy task force.

The SOB gives me the creeps.

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/2007080727

Murray has developed a reputation for taking on unions and battling environmentalists. He’s become known for donating big money to Republican politicians, and for occasionally using his political ties to try to bully government regulators.

Murray had hoped for a medical career, but instead got a scholarship to study mining engineering at Ohio State University. He then spent more than 30 years at North American Coal Corp., before being fired — the reasons are not clear — in October 1987.

Murray took out personal loans, and borrowed money against future coal delivery payments, to start his own company.

Since then, Murray has become a major player in the industry. His privately held company has 11 mines and 3,300 employees in five states, and touts a production figure of 32 million tons of coal per year.

Along the way, Murray has also become a major political player. Murray Energy ranks among the coal industry’s major donors to federal candidates. Since 1996, Murray has contributed nearly $1 million, most of it to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Murray has also not hesitated to make use of those political connections.

In May 2002, two U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration officials were transferred after they clashed with Murray over inspections at the company's Maple Creek Mine in western Pennsylvania.

Later, West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported that Murray warned MSHA officials in Morgantown that the same thing would happen to them if they didn't let up on inspections at his Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio.

"Mitch McConnell calls me one of the five finest men in America, and the last I checked, he was sleeping with your boss,” Murray told the MSHA officials, according to meeting notes cited by public broadcasting. McConnell, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky, is married to U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, whose department includes MSHA.

After that meeting with Murray, MSHA Morgantown district manager Tim Thompson was transferred.

A creepy, loud-mouthed and obnoxious, well-connected BULLY. Geez. Who does THAT sound like?

[formercia]

25. That kind of money will buy you a lot of Love.

Hang it around their necks like a dead Albatross.

Stinkin' chickens come to roost.

[B Calm]

40. it even allows you to sequester the family's of the trapped mine workers

from talking to the press...

[B Calm]

45. Keeping the legal status of the Mexican nationals coal miners from

the public. The owner of the mine would just hate for the people in the USA to wake up and realize that the GOP is the party of CHEAP LABOR.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

50. No, it really won't.

It's less than 200,000 dollars, as far as I can see, spread over a decade, and across an entire party.

I don't know how much money the Republican party has received and spent since 1997, but 200,000 will only be a drop in the ocean - *not* enough to induce policy changes.

[formercia]

51. Those lackeys work on the cheap

follow the social networks. It's all about Omerta.

Best ROI going.

[PA Democrat]

52. There are individual politicians who are pretty cheaply bought.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to PROVE corruption even when the stench is overpowering.

Santorum's Weather-Related Bill Criticized


Two days before Sen. Rick Santorum introduced a bill that critics say would restrict the National Weather Service, his political action committee received a $2,000 donation from the chief executive of AccuWeather Inc., a leading provider of weather data.

The disclosure has renewed criticism of the measure, which Santorum, R-Pa., maintains would allow the weather service to better focus on its core mission of getting threatening weather info out in a "timely and speedy basis."

Opponents say the bill would endanger the public by preventing the dissemination of certain weather data, and force taxpayers to pay for the data twice. The bill would prevent the weather service from competing for certain services offered by the private sector.

http://mysite.verizon.net/lardil/id310.html

[Donald Ian Rankin]

53. But which is cause and which is effect?

People will naturally spend money to try and keep politicians who represent their interests in power.

That doesn't prove, or even provide much evidence, that the politicians themselves are influenced by the donations.

It *does* prove that there's something wrong with the system, inasmuch as spending money helps win elections. But it *doesn't* even provide strong evidence, let alone proof, of individual corruption, I think.

[PA Democrat]

56. Well, it's rather hard to believe that there are politicians who would independently write

legislation requiring us to pay more for weather forecasting or to pay more for prescription drugs (think Medicare Part D)if there were not influence by lobbyists in the form of contributions.

What was done is not illegal under current laws, but it is corrupt IMO. A politician that would write legislation to enrich a few at the expense of the greater good is corrupt, even if he is working within the law.


http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0630-20.htm

Fred Wertheimer, chairman of the Democracy 21 organization has been toiling half a lifetime to reduce the role of money in US politics. "DeLay has made it an art form. You have to 'pay to play', you have to provide campaign finance for his party if you want to have any influence." So how corrupt is the system? Mr Wertheimer says: "It's corrupt with a small 'c'. As a rule, you're not talking about classic quid pro quo bribery corruption. Politicians aren't getting personally rich out of it, unlike other countries where money used to buy influence goes to the personal benefit of the office-holder."

After the 1994 victory, Mr DeLay set up a project aimed at consolidating Republican power. It too boils down to a deal. Lobbyists and trade and industry associations would be allowed virtually to write legislation. In return, the lobbying firms would hire Republicans.

The result has been a semi-purge of former Democrat lawmakers-turned-lobbyists. Today's lobbyists pour their clients' money into Republican ideological projects, and use their contacts to round up more funds for Republican candidates. As successive elections strengthened the Republican grip on Congress, the system has become steadily more entrenched.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

54. But which is cause and which is effect?

People will naturally spend money to try and keep politicians who represent their interests in power.

That doesn't prove, or even provide much evidence, that the politicians themselves are influenced by the donations.

It *does* prove that there's something wrong with the system, inasmuch as spending money helps win elections. But it *doesn't* even provide strong evidence, let alone proof, of individual corruption, I think.

[leftchick]

27. "Coal-Powered Democrats"

http://www.counterpunch.org/ccr03132007.html


<snip>

Behold, the flow of dirty money from the coal industry to House Democrats ­ just as they are about to craft legislation to "address" global warming.

Address the ball, Rick Boucher.

Rick Boucher (D-Virginia) is the House Democrats point person on global warming.

He is chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Above him sits John Dingell, chairman of the full committee.

If the House leadership thinks they are going to get anything worth voting for past Dingell (Mr. Automobile) and Boucher (Mr. Mining) ­ they're ­ well, they're just being Democrats.

[democrat2thecore]

36. Murray is a MAJOR Union-Buster/Hater

He despises the UMW and has threatened to close plants, etc. He violates union organizing laws and is a major league buster of unions. Murray is one of the worst of the worst in the industry.

[B Calm]

38. and now I have a gut feeling that he's also a cold blooded murderer!

[MagsDem]

41. Did anyone else notice how CNN started kissing his butt

and praising him to high heaven after he gave them an "exclusive" on filming rescue ops inside the mine?? I was commenting to a friend today that there treatment of him in their reporting and commentary was like night and day after they let the CNN reporter into the mine. Just goes to show how easily the media can be bought off. All of the sudden he's a poor mine owner that is concerned about safety and his employees above all else. Yeah, right.

[Bluebear]

43. Yes. And, welcome to DU!

:hi:

[KharmaTrain]

46. Also The Coal Industry Bought Commercial Time

I sure hope Michael Moore is noting this...a classic example. Lately I've notice and noted here several days ago, commercials on CNN from the American Coal Institute...then came the "exclusive". The CNN reporter goes in the mine with Murray sitting right next to the reporter while he did his "exclusive". Murray knows how to play the game...now lets see if his money buys he way out.

Welcome to DU...

:toast:

[MagsDem]

58. Oh man, commercials too??

I hadn't even noticed that. Frigging media makes me want to puke somedays.

Thanks for the welcome. I am a long time lurker that finally got off my butt and registered. :)

[nedbal]

44. posted to FR

I interviewed in early 2000 for a position as his Executive Assistant in Cleveland. I was not permitted to interview at the office, but was asked to meet a member of his staff at in the lobby of a nearby hotel for the interview. By the time the staff member answered all my questions, making it very clear what I’d be walking into...I learned the man was an egotistical and intolerable human being, politically obsessed, HATED Al Gore of course, and had been driving everyone in the company freeking nuts because he was fearful that GWB might not be elected. I told the interviewer I didn’t need any time to consider the position...thanks but no thanks.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1877085/posts#230
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I learned the man was ... driving everyone in the company freeking nuts because he was fearful that GWB might not be elected...I told the interviewer I didn’t need any time to consider the position...thanks but no thanks.



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It sounds like you are talking to the wrong people.

Either that or you posted to FR thinking it was DU.



231 posted on 08/09/2007 3:18:34 PM PDT by eleni121 (+ En Touto Nika! By this sign conquer! + Constantine the Great)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 230 | View Replies | Report Abuse >

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To: eleni121
I know exactly where I’m at.

I voted for GWB, twice.

please take note....”DRIVING EVERYONE IN THE COMPANY FREEKING NUTS....”, not to mention he’s a royal S.O.B.



232 posted on 08/09/2007 3:37:43 PM PDT by Kimberly GG (..."work out a deal where they can have some aspirations of citizenship"... - Fred Thompson, 2006)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 231 | View Replies | Report Abuse >

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To: Kimberly GG; nicmarlo
TANKS a bunch for that info,,,From watching him rant during
the interview and what I have learned since,,,This guy
sounds like a real whacko...JMHO...

[spinbaby]

47. I wonder if there's a way to check his employees' contributions

Word is that his management-level employees donate money to his Repug candidates AND show up at fund-raising events or lose their jobs.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

48. I'm sorry, but that is *not* evidence of corruption.

This man has donated a small fraction of his money to a political cause.

There is nothing suspicious about that.

The fraction of the funding received by each of his donees that comes from him is negligable. The idea that this might influence their decisions is, I think, wishful thinking from those who *want* to believe that everything Republicans do is corrupt.

[Buzz Clik]

49. yep

[lonestarnot]

55. Oink Oink Oink

[UpInArms]

57. here's Murray's testimony before Congress (March 2007) regarding Global Warming

http://www.nationalcenter.org/2007/03/human-cost-of-climate-change-policies.html

Some wealthy elitists in our Country, who cannot tell fact from fiction, can afford an Olympian detachment from the impacts of draconian climate change policy. For them, the jobs and dreams destroyed as a result will be nothing more than statistics and the cares of other people. These consequences are abstractions to them, but they are not to me, as I can name many of the thousands of the American citizens whose lives will be destroyed by these elitists' ill-conceived "global goofiness" campaigns.

Also, there are a number of companies that are promoting constraints on coal use to achieve greater profits and/or competitive advantages, which transparent motivations are not in the best interests of Americans. These, in part, include Excelon, Entergy, British Petroleum, Shell Oil, Caterpillar, Alcoa, Dupont and General Electric.

You see, ladies and gentlemen, I have seen the effect of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the drastic reductions in coal production, and wrenching impact on hundreds of communities as a result of that legislation. In Ohio alone, from 1990 to 2005, about one hundred eighteen (118) mines were shut down, costing more than thirty-six thousand (36,000) primary and secondary jobs. These impacted areas have spent years recovering, and some never will. Families broke up, many lost homes, some were impoverished, because of legislation that the environmentalists call a "success". Again, I did not learn of this havoc from computer models. I lived it and saw it firsthand.

Now, we are glibly discussing mandatory carbon emission reductions, which will have far more sweeping and far deeper reductions in coal production, and will reek much greater economic carnage and reductions in the quality of life and standard of living of many Americans, than the Clean Air Act Amendments. But, the destruction from limiting coal use will not stop there. Natural gas costs will rise, further damaging the agricultural and chemical industries, and the loss of American manufacturing jobs, which depend on low cost electricity, will be accelerated.