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DEL.ICIO.USYou can help a governor build his clout — or you can turn the page
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you want to help a particular Georgia governor spread his footprint and have a boatload of cash, then Sonny Perdue is looking for you.
An e-mail has gone out from John Watson, the governor’s former chief of staff, soliciting minimum donations of $5,000 for a Jan. 7 fund-raiser for Perdue PAC. No hurry, but Watson wants an answer by Friday.
You can clear it with the spouse later.
“Perdue PAC is a political organization registered as a ยง 527 organization with the I.R.S. and as a political action committee with the Georgia State Ethics Commission,” Watson explains in a helpful attachment to his message.
Exactly what does Perdue PAC do? We’re so glad you asked.
“The funds are used to support the political activities of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and elect like-minded conservative, principled candidates within the State and across the country,” says the hand-out.
The literature also assures us that, because Perdue PAC is a 527, no contribution limits apply. So feel free to open your wallets really, really wide.
Now, given the fact that the event will be held exactly one week before the Legislature convenes, some wags will say that this is aimed at lobbyists interested in the governor’s help on any number of issues.
But that would be cynical — and hard to judge, too. Exactly who gives to the governor won’t be known until long after the Legislature leaves town.
The event will also compete with similar receptions for several lawmakers, Republican and Democrat, which would be — oh, wait. That’s the point.
Cash can cure many ills, including lameduckitis. Every governor sees his influence wane as his second term ticks on. But a pile of money that can be spread, judiciously, here and there among (or against) troublesome lawmakers might delay advance of the disease.
In any case, the Perdue fund-raiser is likely to be the most expensive ticket in town. Five large ones will only buy you the right to scarf nuts and Cheetos at the reception. Only those who write checks for $10,000 and more will be permitted a sit-down dinner afterwards.
Comments
By Victor Jones
December 13, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
If i wasn’t so engulfed in the whacked out engineering design of my upright Dirt Devil Jaguar switch replacement schematics, i’d whip out my piggy bank and send it to Cousin Sonny just for appointing Gena Abraham to GDOT. Give Arial Hart a hug for me. The news is going through Bbib County Elected Officials like hot asphalt through a Goose…