Dead actor Roy Scheider donates to Barack Obama campaign anyway

LA Times ^ | Aprl 23, 2008 | Andrew Malcolm

[COUNTrecount]

Sen. Barack Obama does come from the Chicago school of politics, where historically voter turnout has been unusually high for residents of certain graveyards. And he has been unusually successful raising money.

Now, he's raising money by raising the dead.

The Times' campaign finance expert Dan Morain has found Obama campaign records reporting a $50 donation by Roy Scheider, who lists his occupation as actor and his home as Sag Harbor, N.Y.

Remember him from many great movies, including "The French Connection" and "Jaws" and the immortal line: "You're gonna need a bigger boat"?

According to the campaign records, Scheider made the donation March 10.

Trouble is, Scheider died exactly one month before that, on Feb. 10, at age 75. Just another example of Hollywood's undying affection for Democrats.

Obama recently reported other donations from breathing actors: Sam Waterston, $2,300; Lynn Redgrave, $600; Sydney Poitier, $250; and Treat Williams, $100.

Scheider was unavailable for comment. However, informed of the deceased donor's generosity, an Obama campaign spokesman said late Tuesday it had come under a monthly credit card donation program and that it would be halted this month. The $50 March donation would be donated to another cause, the spokesman said.

[Eurale]

You living folks are just trying to keep us dead folks down.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I wonder what a stamp from “the other side” costs?

[vpintheak]

What I can’t believe is how people can donate so much money to a politician. Unbelievable. Just think how much good, real good, couldbe done if all these millions were people spending their money to actually help the poor and otherwise helpless or needy. It would be amazing. Instead, they piss their money away donating money to some politician in hopes of getting their way. People are free to do what they want but I am blown away at the contridiction.

[HappyinAZ]

yep...and great VP canidate!

[sodpoodle]

Right;) LOL!!!

I don’t know why the Dems just didn’t promote Denzel Washington. He could have generated millions more registered voters, raised billions of dollars...and his movies would make great commercials. Don’t know if he has a Jeremiah Wright in his circle - and his wife is in deep background....maybe next time.

The Kennedys love movie stars.

[HappyinAZ]

So the LA Times ahs written nasty things about Obama and McCain...gee...wonder who they’re in the tank for!

[NonValueAdded]

tempest ... teapot. I’ll pro’ly still be contributing to FR long after I’m dead and gone until the bank account dries up.

[nicola_tesla]

BS. The majority of his donations come from “the elites”. Why do you think he went to 4 closed door fundraisers in SF for the moneyed rubes ?

http://www.newsmeat.com/campaign_contributions_to_politicians/donor_list.php?candidate_id=P80003338

[nicola_tesla]

or Philadelphia...

[sodpoodle]

His political and executive resume is a bit thin - especially as a result of his failed MD Gov & US Senate campaigns. He should have moved out of Maryland - much too close to DC and far too liberal.

Too bad.

[Liz]

As one politician famously said, “When I die, I want be buried in Chicago so I can remain politically active.”

[Sig Sauer P220]

The dead can't vote - but they can still donate to their favorite candidate.

Sure they can vote, but only Democrat.

[TexasNative2000]

A dead contribution for a dead campaign. Perfectly suited.

[Patrick1]

As Roy Scheider might have said to Obama, “you’re going to need a bigger donation”.

[facedown]

Scheider was unavailable for comment.

LOL! Now that's cold.

[Centurion2000]

Not true. You’ve obviously never seen the voter turn out in NJ.

So it's safe to assume these guys are heading to the polls in Camden?

[RJL]

...an Obama campaign spokesman said late Tuesday it had come under a monthly credit card donation program and that it would be halted this month.

Wouldn't stopping all credit card charges be among the first things the executor of the estate would do?

[RGSpincich]

However, informed of the deceased donor's generosity, an Obama campaign spokesman said late Tuesday it had come under a monthly credit card donation program and that it would be halted this month.

I'm wondering how many monthly credit card donors there are who thought they signed up for a one time contribution.

[darkangel82]

I’m stuned. Corrupt Democrats? This is hugh and series.

[DFG]

Denzel Washington made a large donation to help wounded veterans at BAMC in San Antonio.

http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2550