State Rep. James Eldridge, both through his political committee and his personal funds, has given several thousands of dollars to the Democratic State Committee, Governor Deval Patrick’s campaign, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray’s campaign, and many other state legislative efforts. A cursory look suggests that, since 2002, he and his committee have contributed over $3,000 to various Democratic efforts (not including contributions to his own campaign).
State Rep. Barry Finegold, both through his political committee and his personal funds, appears to have given roughly $4,000 to various Democratic efforts since 2002.
State Rep. Jim Miceli seems to have been a bit more stingy, giving only around $700 to Democratic efforts (besides his own campaign) since 2002.
Eileen Donoghue seems to have only given about $1,500 to Democrats, mostly in two $500 contributions, to Deval Patrick in ’06 and Shannon O’Brien in ’02. What troubles me about Donoghue’s contributions, though, is that it appears (and please correct me if I’m wrong) that Donoghue gave $250 to John C. Thibault in 2004 – Thibault being the Republican opponent of State Senator Susan Fargo that year. For partisans like myself, that is a major strike, if true. (And if she was a member of the Democratic State Committee, it would be grounds for removal from the Committee, if true, according to Article II, Section 3, part c of the committee bylaws.)
Niki Tsongas seems to earn the Meehan-miser mantle. Since 2002, OCPF reports only one single contribution from Tsongas to a Democrat in Massachusetts, $250 to State Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry in 2005.
Middlesex Sheriff James DiPaola and his campaign committee appears to have been the most generous benefactors to various Democrats, clocking in at a strong $12,000 or so, including a $5,000 contribution to the state Democratic party in October ’06, in time for the general election.
So, while Eldridge, Finegold, and DiPaola have been generous to other Democrats, Tsongas and Miceli seem to have been misers, and Donoghue apparently gave to a Republican.
Food for thought.
According to Dick Howe, Thibault is a close personal friend of Donoghue, which was the reason for her donation.
Why doesn’t that surprise me? From everything I understand, he comes from the land of you-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours. In a lot of cases that comes in the form of jobs with the Sherriff’s office…
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And I wouldn’t be too disturbed about Donoghue…sometimes close personal friendships trumps politics. She hasn’t made a habit out of it.
Such donations are more like lobbying efforts.
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I’m surprised about the donation – I have Dem friends, too, but they understand why I couldn’t give.
one could also check http://www.opensecrets.org and look at donations to Federal candidates…below are contributions from Nicola Tsongas.
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5/20/2004
$1,000
Kerry, John
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3/13/2003
$1,000
Kerry, John
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4/12/2004
$250
Cohen, Burt
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4/28/1995
$200
Meehan, Martin T
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6/19/1998
$200
Meehan, Martin T
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10/5/2000
$200
Meehan, Marty
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8/6/2004
$5,000
DNC Services Corp
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3/4/2005
$1,000
Kennedy, Edward M
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10/22/1993
$250
Emily’s List
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3/21/2002
$250
Kerry, John
According to FEC records James Eldridge gave $200 to John F. Kerry’s Presidential campaign.
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Barry Finegold gave $600 to John Kerry in 2004 and $1000 to Al Gore in 2000.
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Eileen Donoghue gave Marty Meehan $200 in 2000 and $275 in 1998.
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Niki Tsongas and her late husband have given $4,100 since 1995 to various federal candidates, $250 to EMILY’s List and $5000 to the DNC Service Corp in 2004.
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There are no records of contribution to federal candidates from James DiPaola or Jim Miceli.
Ms. Donaghue apparently contributed to a Republican running against an incumbent, progressive Democratic State Senator (which I, too, find very disturbing), what does any of this have to do with who would make the best U.S. Representative from the 5th Congressional District?
Absolutely nothing! I want a candidate who is financially responsible. Giving money to other candidates is unethical. Moneys should be raised by donations from citizens in the district represented ONLY!!!