GOP donors double dipping with Nader
Contributors deny that financial support is designed to hurt Kerry
10:29 PM CST on Friday, March 26, 2004 by WAYNE SLATER / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader is getting a
little help from his friends and from George W. Bush’s friends.
Nearly 10 percent of the Nader contributors who have given him at least
$250 each have a history of supporting the Republican president,
national GOP candidates or the party, according to computer-assisted
review of financial records by The Dallas Morning News.
Among the new crop of Nader donors: actor and former Nixon speechwriter
Ben Stein, Florida frozen-food magnate Jeno Paulucci and Pennsylvania
oil company executive Terrence Jacobs. All have strong ties to the GOP.
Democrats have warned that Mr. Nader’s entry in the race could help Mr.
Bush by drawing votes from John Kerry. Some analysts say Mr. Nader’s
third-party candidacy four years ago siphoned off Democratic voters and
cost Vice President Al Gore the White House.
“Republicans are well aware that Ralph Nader played a spoiler role in
the 2000 election. And there is no reason why they wouldn’t want to
encourage and help him do so again in 2004,” said Jano Cabrera, a
spokesman for the Democrat National Committee.
A spokesman for the Bush campaign declined to comment on Mr. Nader.
“We’re focused on our campaign. We’re focused on generating support for
Republican candidates,” said Danny Diaz, referring inquiries about Nader
fund raising to his donors.
Republicans who have given to Mr. Nader offered a variety of
explanations, including a desire to provide voters a choice in November
and to highlight the consumer advocate’s issues. Some donors said they
were miffed by efforts, primarily Democrats, to keep Mr. Nader off the
ballot.
None said their donations were designed to boost Mr. Bush’s chances in
the fall.
“Did I give $1,000 to Ralph Nader because I hope and believe he will be
president? No,” said California business executive Charles Ashman. “I
don’t believe that any more than Ralph Nader does. But I was offended to
see this campaign to squelch him from being a candidate.”
Mr. Ashman said he remains a staunch Republican. He contributed $2,000
to the Bush campaign, the maximum allowed for the general election,
according to records.
“I proudly made a contribution to the re-election of President Bush
because I support him 100 percent,” he said. “I hope and believe he will
be re-elected.”