Wal-Mart a big giver to 2004 U.S. election

MSNBC ^ | Feb. 24, 2004 | Edward Alden

[yonif]

Wal-Mart, the largest company in the U.S., looks set to pass a new milestone this year: It is well on its way to becoming the biggest business contributor to the 2004 election campaign.

After years of little involvement in federal politics, the Arkansas-based retail giant is currently the largest corporate donor through its political action committee (PAC), having doled out nearly $1.3 million to federal candidates until the end of January, according to Politicalmoneyline.com.

Wal-Mart's effort to beef up its presence in Washington is unparalleled since Microsoft — another upstart from the U.S. hinterland — in the mid-1990s abandoned Bill Gates' boast that he was from "the other Washington" and hired an army of lobbyists to defend itself against a series of antitrust investigations.

Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, had a similar disdain for Washington politics. As recently as the 2000 presidential election year, Wal-Mart ranked 771st in direct contributions to federal politicians.

[writer33]

Yeah. And if they're smart, they'll give it to President Bush. Why? So they can keep taxes down and bring us those low, low prices.

[GeronL]

It'll go to both parties. 60%+ Democrat. gut feeling. Microsoft still gives to Dems after the Dems tried to destroy their company.

[al baby]

[JohnnyZ]

About 85 per cent of the money has gone to Republicans.

From the article, re WalMart.

[GeronL]

Thats a surprise then, considering its the Democrats who usually demand a cut. I do know that COSTCO, GEICO and PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE bigwigs have vowed to defeat Bush.

SHOP AT WAL-MART!

[Common Tator]

What you post is not true.

Both Walmart and Microsoft have been giving about 60 -40 to Republicans.

After the Clinton administration went after MicroSoft they have been giving heavily to Repubicans.

The Waltons are registered Democrats, but they too have been giving at the 60 to 40 rate to Republicans over Democrats.

[GeronL]

I know Gates is a Democrat. I don't know the numbers.

I'm surprised they haven't joined the Bush bashing movement.

[YaYa123]

"Wal-Mart's political contributions have been spread widely in Congress, with more than 220 members of the House and Senate receiving checks of $1,000 to $17,500 so far this election cycle. About 85 per cent of the money has gone to Republicans."

But from an article last week, I can't remember where, the two CEO's of Sam's Club gave huge bucks to organizations created to overthrow Bush. Go figure.

[writer33]

You're probably right. I wouldn't doubt it. In order for them to stay in touch with the so called "working man" montra.

[CommandoFrank]

It'll go to both parties. 60%+ Democrat. gut feeling.

As the article states, 85% went to the Republicans...

[GeronL]

I'm wrong apparently, read the other posts.

I am such a pessimist

[GeronL]

the two CEO's of Sam's Club gave huge bucks to organizations created to overthrow Bush. Go figure

That money doesn't count I guess.

[GeronL]

When the CEO's give huge bulks to anti-Bush groups, that money is not counted.

[Free Trapper]

I thought I had read that Hitlery was on Wal-Marts board,or am I thinking of another company?

[I'm ALL Right!]

I'm glad I shop at Wal-Mart and not at Target.

[writer33]

That's all right. There are plenty of us optimists out here to keep you up.

[dgallo51]

Ours is a world where people don't know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it.
--- Don Marquis 1878-1937, American Humorist, Journalist

[flashbunny]

Those were the ceo and chairman of costco - not sam's club. Yet another thread was posted on today.

[adam_az]

"But from an article last week, I can't remember where, the two CEO's of Sam's Club gave huge bucks to organizations created to overthrow Bush. Go figure."

You're thinking of Costco.