Atlanta-based filmmaker Tyler Perry has given generously to Democratic causes over the years. He hosted two fundraisers for President Barack Obama that brought in more than $500,000 for his re-election campaign. He also gave more than $5,000 to Michelle Nunn’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.
So there was some surprise when the television and film mogul and his company gave $12,600 to Republican Gov. Nathan Deal’s campaign for another term.
State Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, has questioned whether the contribution to the governor was tied to the recent deal Perry reached to buy about two-thirds of sprawling Fort McPhereson. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, an ally of Deal’s and a beneficiary of Perry’s financial support in the past, helped cement the deal.
Fort, who has criticized the lack of transparency about the purchase, said he’s “concerned that there’s a perception that the Fort McPherson deal was influenced by politics.”
Perry’s representative declined to comment on his support for the governor in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. But Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said any attempt to link a deal worth more than $30 million to a campaign donation hardly topping $10,000 is “ridiculous.”
Robinson said Reed approached the governor’s office about Perry’s interest in the property and Deal’s aides stepped aside to let city officials explore the opportunities. A civilian redevelopment agency approved the sale last week, but the Pentagon has the final say.
“We’ve looked for uses for this property for years. It’s irrelevant that Tyler Perry contributed to the campaign,” Robinson said. “We prioritize private-sector job creation, and we’ve particularly courted the film industry. It’s at the heart of the governor’s strong relationship with the mayor.”
Robinson, however, pointed out a political benefit from the donation, saying “it shows we are reaching out to people who traditionally give to Democrats.”
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