Rick Snyder creates funds to accept unlimited corporate donations
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has set up three new funds that can accept unlimited corporate donations, including a "Governor's Club" fund that disclosed $117,500 in receipts in its first report to the IRS, The Detroit News reported today.
Rick Snyder
Another fund called the New Energy to Reinvent and Diversify Fund is described as a "civic action and social welfare" fund. Those who give to the NERD Fund don't have to publicly disclose their identities or how much they give, according to The News.
- Read the report here.
Snyder has refused to accept PAC money as a way of showing he's not beholden to special interests, but critics argue his creation of the funds shows he's a typical politician. A spokesperson for the governor, however, said the donations show lots of Michiganders support Snyder and the work he's doing in office.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Michele Kotula
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 2 p.m.
To do more for corporations? Maybe now the voters will learn how Repubs only support those that will help them financially.
snapshot
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
So this worse than let's say unions collecting member dues and using the money to influence elections on a "collective" basis? Or how about the pwerful unions ability to disrupt normal business and create hardships for ordinary citizens through work slowdowns, stoppage, or strikes? And unions continue to attack "corporations" who actually employee Americans and pay the taxes that support all "union" employee salaries either through government payrolls or taxpayer bailouts. What a game they play.
Blanch DuBois
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
Sounds like a tricky Ricky who is innocent.
Carole
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
Let's face it folks -- big corporations own all governments -- I so totally disagree with these corporate funds being sent to Michigan. I do believe that Mr. Snyder can afford to pay his own bills, if not oh well just like the rest of us.
Kai Petainen
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 6:02 a.m.
i don't know much about this particular issue (regarding snyder), and i get confused between what is news, and what is political fighting. so i don't have an opinion on it. but, i want to mention something about ethics.... teaching ethics to students is incredibly important, and i would argue that many do get it. any (Ross) business student has access to powerful software/databases that allow them to view the connections/relationships between people and firms. (yes, students can see many of the relationships that are commonly spoken about in the ann arbor.com message boards). it's incredibly easy for them to see who is related to what business and how. it's part of 'networking' and its a part of the discovery process of finding out the inter-connectedness of those around us, networking and finding a job. in some instances, what is ethical and what isn't, is based on our own definition of ethics. for example, suppose you hear of a "midcap fund" out there. your presumption might be that it is composed of 90-100% of midcap stocks. now suppose you find out that fund is only 50-60% midcap, and the rest is composed of other stocks. is it illegal -- most likely not, but is that unethical? is that firm unethical? what if that firm is a huge popular firm? that's a question that i think each of us has to decide for ourselves. what makes it difficult... is that if you see something that might be unethical... you might be afraid to speak up and say something. you might not get the job that you wanted. one day i found a firm that had a value fund and a growth fund -- they had the exact same holdings. when i went to the last round of interviews, i asked why they had both funds. the answer... 'we cater to the needs of our clients'. two funds, two different names, same stocks. due to my ethics, i was no longer interested in the firm. if a student were to ask the same question... more than likely they would have not gotten the job.
John Q
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.
When Snyder was running for Governor, we were told that is was a good thing that Snyder was independently wealthy as it would keep him from being corrupted by the typical slush-fund fundraising that goes on in Lansing. Why would a guy like Snyder need to hit up corporations and special interests to cover those costs associated with being Governor that aren't covered by the taxpayers? We were told that Rick Snyder, being a man of great means, would be able to foot those costs himself and never allow himself to look like someone was buying influence through big dollar donations that would cover his expenses. But now we know that was all a lie and Snyder is no different than any of the politicians that he claimed he was not.
David Briegel
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:23 a.m.
They are kicking back the tax cuts he gave them.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
As red9seven points out, politicians of both parties have been using these "funds" to their own purpose from a long time. It's not either one or the other: it's BOTH political parties which are corrupt. It just happens that the Republicans like Mich. Gov. Ri¢k $nyder have become masters at both corrupt practices and social engineering propaganda. Whether these funs started yesterday or 100 years ago: they're wrong - inimical to free democratic republics. The Governor's Club: set up "to pay certain expenses Snyder incurs as a result of being governor." -- What kind of insanity is that? We tax payers and the legislature set a pay rate for Governor and other elected officers. Since when did we approve "other pay" to cover expenses which are supposed to be covered by the money we pay those in office??!! Donators - like ex-Athletic Director Bill Martin - are obviously disguising this as a "charitable donation" to the Gov. $nyder who is already among the richest men in Michigan!! Rumors and some factual reports shine some unflattering light on Bill Martin's true character. So - guess what - it looks like he's confirming those characterizations himself. Recall $nyder - a "don't miss" necessity like remembering to put some clothes on before venturing beyond home. Recall: every other Michigan politician who sets up these self-serving funds. And - get the funds declared illegal.
RayA2
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.
I don't have the foggiest notion why my post, the first comment on this article, was deleted after several hours of existence? Is AnnArbor.com really the rick snyder chearleader that so many people accuse it of?
A2Woman
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Glad to see you are in the #2 spot, Ray! Next time, don't use so many euphemisms! <...(sarcasm)
David Briegel
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:20 a.m.
Only cheerleaders need comment!
A2Woman
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
Looks like it was one of the most popular, but just for the afternoon. Stop that name calling; you know you can't do that here! ;)
red9seven
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
If you read the entire article, you'll find that previous governor Granholm had two funds, which closely parallel those that Synder has created. So it seems that this is common practice. I'd still like to see how these funds are used before I make a judgment, unlike many of those who submitted previous comments.
Ron Granger
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
I want to create an unlimited fund. I call it the "Snyder Unlimited Recall Fund" - SURF!
tommy_t
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Aahhh for heavens sake- your name should be Rick "in-your-face" Snyder.
Cash
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.
Bruceae, The teacher's organization is not rewriting Michigan laws that impact every taxpayer in this state, changing the tax code, lowering taxes for business and raising taxes on the poor and elderly. The teacher's organization didn't campaign saying they'd not take any corporate money so as to not be "beholding" to major donors....in short Snyder is GOVERNOR of this state, not an organization of workers' He made statements about his determination to remain free of these situations then opens up his pockets and takes ...flaunting his lies by saying this is "different". He lines his pockets with money from those he has represents, and that's clear.
bruceae
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.
So it's fine if the MEA spends a ton of money to try and recall him but it's not ok for him to take donations?
David Briegel
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:18 a.m.
And you are saying that it is OK for big business and the Chamber of Commerce to rent politicians. Good for you Bruce.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
Remember it's only wrong if a Republican does it.
RayA2
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
No, but if a republicon does it, its probably wrong.
David Briegel
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 10:12 p.m.
Balderdash!
towny
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
This just does not look, sound or smell right at all. I have been a supporter of Gov. Snyder and this looks very bad. What are you thinking Gov. Snyder that no one will notice this. With the business tax cuts and other changes you have made concerning business this just plain looks wrong. It does look like an obvious kick back. Shame on you.
Monica R-W
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:23 a.m.
Towny, I KNOW that you are telling the truth here because I have seen you support Gov. Snyder since the beginning. Also, I can respect that you believe this looks really bad! Thanks for acknowledging this. Monica RW
golfer
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
just like washington. talks out of both sides. i just do not like him. i think he is trying to do to much at once. lke i am a one term person. wounder how many are leaving michigan for other states.
Klaus
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
Amusing, to say the least. The headline is: "Rick Snyder creates funds to accept unlimited corporate donations". Then it ends with: "A spokesperson for the governor, however, said the donations show lots of Michiganders support Snyder and the work he's doing in office." Corporations and Michiganders are, like, the same?
63Townie
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Cyndi Lauper said it best: "I see your true colors shining through..."
David Briegel
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
I LOVE Cyndi Lauper!
David Briegel
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
Money Changes Everything!
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
I see, they just don't like any comments that get within 28 characters of the limit.... shoddy software.
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
Concerning the press and reluctance to blab out wild numbers irresponsibly: Since there are 10 potential signatures on each of the petitions handed out through the program, it leaves a margin of error ratio of 1:10 when calculating an estimate. Averaging it out at 5 is simply not realistic. Multiply that by the thousands of petitions handed out and you'll start to get the picture. That is but one example of the difficulties faced in calculating counts and if the recall effort knew in March what they know today, the count issue would be nowhere near as contentious. The press have not been kind to to the recall effort regarding their reluctance to release numbers and one columnist referred to this effort as "deader than a doornail" based on the assumption that not releasing numbers is an indication of obvious failure. That type of assumption is dangerous and has been known in the past to backfire on those who ascribe to it. The information on the recall effort is out there, it just takes a little diligence to find it. Research. Many involved in the recall effort feel that, even if the effort fails, it is a strong statement of the dissatisfaction of the People of Michigan with this bum.
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
btw, the above comment is to be utilized in conjunction with my comment immediately preceding it. It is in answer to a question fielded by Charlie Brown's Ghost.
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
@ Charlie's Ghost, In the beginning the recall effort wasn't fully organized or mobilized, efforts were stop & go. But since then they've actually organized themselves well and revised their action plan with a new start date of July 1st for the petition drive in order to meet legal deadlines. In the month of july, the recall effort was garnering 10,000 signatures a day, on average (300,000) and expects to continue to build steam, collecting the 800, 000 more signatures needed by Sept. 29th between August & September. In contrast, between May 21st and July 1st they had only collected 10,000 signatures. They are presently contacting those signers in order to have them re-sign petitions since the ones they signed are no longer valid with the extension date in place.
1bit
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
He's not doing anything illegal. Accepting money from special interests has been going on in this country for over a century. You don't like the special interests that support Rick Snyder. If they were your special interest group, you might think otherwise. Nothing stops opposing candidates from doing the same thing. Having the most money doesn't always win elections, just ask Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina and others from the last election cycle.
1bit
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
David: I am not thrilled, I am indifferent. Perhaps if I restated the issue, you would understand my point. If I chose to spend all my time and money in supporting Rick Snyder's recall effort, then that would be my privilege. If I owned a corporation and decided to direct its resources to the recall effort, then that is also my privilege. It is free speech. The government does not have the right to tell me that I cannot use my money to support my causes or support politicians who have similar opinions to me. Likewise, the government does not have the right to stop me from using my money to oppose candidates with whom I differ in opinion. A candidate's coffers do not always "buy" an election as I noted. In many cases, I believe that the candidate's ability to raise money is a poll of the populace (i.e. people are voting with their money). This was true for Governor Snyder and it was true for President Obama.
David Briegel
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:10 a.m.
1bit, so you really and truly are thrilled that bribery is now legal? Seriously?
1bit
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
The truth is that you are unhappy about Rick Snyder. I am not taking the approach of being happy or unhappy. I am taking the approach of standing behind free speech whether it is popular or unpopular. I do not perceive myself to be smart enough to know why people vote the way they do. I would agree that, for whatever reason, people seem to be irrational and vote against what I perceive to be their best interest. And yet, that's the way they vote and I accept it. So, here are my specific rebuttals: @alan: He is legally allowed to accept donations. What is your point? That he is a politician? Big surprise there. Free speech includes the ability of persons and/or corporations to direct money to candidates of their choosing. @Ray: A certain amount of money is needed to win elections, no doubt. After a certain point, however, candidates are on a relatively level playing field. Ideas win. Better campaigns win. Virg Bernero had the wrong message and he was fighting an uphill battle; his losing was a foregone conclusion. Irrespective of whether you agree, if people (or corporations) want to exercise their free speech (including supporting their preferred candidate with money) then that is their prerogative. If you don't like it then take it up with the Supreme Court and those are the current laws.
RayA2
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 2:40 a.m.
Anecdotal evidence that a few people have actually lost elections even though they outspent their competitors is not very convincing. Perhaps the people you mention, unlike slick, actually told the truth about their real agenda during the election. Slick won his election because he outspent Virg Bernero by 5 to 1 and said nothing about his real agenda. Its an unfortunate fact that democracy doesn't work well when people are not well informed. That is why people like slick can buy elections and proceed to represent such a small but wealthy group of people.
alan
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
@1bit I think you've missed the whole point. He is accepting donations to defray his expenses after declining to take a salary from the people who actually employ him. That is unethical, clearly a conflict of interest, and very well may be illegal. We'll probably find out. Furthermore, what does free speech have to do with this?
1bit
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
It is not illegal or immoral. You are the one being ludicrous because you apparently don't care for free speech. Or are you one of the many who only like free speech when you agree with it? If the AARP wants to support Rick Snyder, or the UAW, I couldn't care less. Neither do I care if another corporation wants to support him. That is the privilege we have in this country. As I said, there is nothing that stops an opposing candidate from doing the same. Rick Snyder has no advantage in that way over another candidate.
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
There is a vast difference between illegal and immoral. it is ludicrous for you to justify this establishment of a slush fund with that type of logic. It is also not illegal for dictatorships to exist, but it is still morally reprehensible. What is your point? It isn't illegal, so it's ok? And I wouldn't classify this in as benign a statement as 'special interests'. I would classify this as corporations buying a politician. These funds are nothing short of 'pay as you go' slush funds. A sickening sign of our moral decline as a nation & a people.
alan
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
We spend a great deal of time discussing ethics with our business and law students and wonder why they don't seem to get it.
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
They get it... they just know that it isn't a part of the 'real' world of business, government & law. They realize that those who actually follow those precepts will lose and those who cheat, rob & lie will win in our capitalistic business environment
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
Well, you had a chance to keep this weasel out of office, and you blew it! You have a chance to recall him and boot him out of office for not properly representing the people of Michigan. Don't blow that chance. Rick Snyder has finally opened his purse and said "Fill 'er up, boys!". Surprise, surprise! I'm betting that the whole point of the NERD Fund is that the corporations DON'T have to report the amount of money the give to that fund. Odds are pretty good that it is nothing but a slush fund; easily tapped for whatever reasons can be invented in order to quietly launder the money flowing in. Thanks Snyder for showing your true colors so quickly! "Because it's the right thing to do" to use one of your own inane quotes utilized when asked to logically explain your actions to the electorate.
godsbreath64
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
How much is that doggy in the window?
Cash
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Impure Michigan.
ummsw
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.
Are you kidding me....
Bear
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 7 p.m.
What did you expect? He's just another used car salesman, making a living selling clunkers to saps.
godsbreath64
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Is this American government or a cheap alternative like say plutocracy or just predation? What a pure hatred for Michigan.
godsbreath64
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Yes, David. Nothing says "ignore the masses" quite like slush funds.
David Briegel
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
or oligarchy!
DonBee
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
With the recall campaign out there, I would want a war chest too. We will have to see if he uses it like Kilpatrick did or if he uses it responsibly. Only time will tell.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.
How's that recall effort going? I haven't heard much about it lately. The unions - oh, sorry, I mean, the regular, reasonable citizens who are running it - must not have a very big number of signatures or they'd be trumpeting it everywhere.
DonBee
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
Not my job Steve, if you want a list, you know where Google is.
Steve in MI
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
DonBee, would you be kind enough to make a list of all the politicians who've used their secret slush funds responsibly? Thanks!!
Townie
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Our new government - for, by and of the corporations and wealthy. And hidden from us (like SPARK!) - our 'shadow' government where 'pay to play' is the rule. No pay, you get ignored. And let's remember that these corporations are, according to Rick and Mitt, 'people'. People who have 100 votes for every one of ours and the bucks to blanket the airways with their lies, misinformation and fear / smear campaigns to get those who don't want to think to vote their way (against their own best interests). 1984 is here.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
More like the Millionairess club.
RayA2
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
Looks like slick is cashing in on all of the favors he's done for his wealthy constituency. I suppose he realizes that now that his real reverse Robin Hood agenda is clear, he'll need huge amounts of advertising cash to stay in a position to represent the top 0.01% of wealth holders in this state. I know if Michigan voter are fooled twice by the "nerd", he'll be even more aggressive in his true agenda.