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November 03, 2009

Big Firms and Gambling Halls Give to Calif. AG's Charities

In the nearly three years since he took office, California Attorney General Jerry Brown has raised nearly $10-million for charities he oversees, including more than $100,000 from gambling establishments regulated by his office, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Five Los Angeles-area “card clubs” have donated to two Bay Area charter schools that Mr. Brown founded during his tenure as mayor of Oakland. Corporate giants such as Pacific Gas & Electric, AT&T, and Wal-Mart have given $50,000 or more to the schools.

Mr. Brown, a two-time Democratic presidential candidate and former California governor who is viewed as a leading candidate to reclaim his old job in next year’s state elections, said the donations have no effect on his public work, asserting, “I have an unimpeachable record of integrity.”

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Tuesday November 3, 2009 | Permalink

Comments

1. Yeah, right, Jerry. I’m sure it’s unimpeachable…
   When will we get back to a situation where our politicians prefer honesty and integrity over lyin’ and lining their own pockets – on both sides of the political aisle???

   — john k    Nov 3, 02:19 PM    #

2. As someone who helps California nonprofits fundraise every day, writing time-consuming proposals to many of these same firms, it sickens me to learn that “corporate giants” are showering money on a couple of schools in the hope of currying favor. AG Brown may think he is unimpeachable, but these corporations and card clubs think it’s a wise investment. I can attest that these corporate grantmakers make small and medium-size nonprofits jump through hoops for measly $5K to $10K grants. But apparently they are lavishing money on two schools with few questions asked other than, “how politically connected are they?”

   — SH    Nov 3, 05:25 PM    #

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