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WatchDog for Sale?
Winston is shocked, just shocked by allegations that the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), an environmental watchdog, have sold their endorsement for President. Actually, instead of allegations, the Capital Research Center (CRC) has simply detailed the substantial contributions from Heinz family-related foundations to environmental activist organizations headed by individuals who are members of LCV's Board of Directors.
The LCV endorsed Theresa Heinz Kerry's husband for President in January of this year. In contrast to their early endorsement of Sen. Kerry, the group waited until April of 2000 to endorse Vice President Gore, a candidate more closely identified with environmental issues than the Senator.
According to CRC, "at least four members of the LCV board of directors lead environmental groups that received more than $1,000,000 from the Heinz philanthropies in the past three years." Donations cited by CRC include:
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$50,000 to the National Resources Defense Council in 2003 from a Heinz foundation of which Theresa Heinz Kerry is a Board member. NRDC's President is on LCV's Board of Directors.
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$50,000 to the Wilderness Society in 2003 from a Heinz foundation of which Theresa Heinz Kerry is a Board member. The Wilderness Society's President is on LCV's Board of Directors. The donation was to "promote certified wood products in Pennsylvania."
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$600,000 to Environmental Defense in 2001-2003 from Heinz foundations on which Theresa Heinz Kerry is either Chairman or a Board member. The President of Environmental Defense is on LCV's Board of Directors.
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$250,000 Award to the Executive Director of West Harlem Environmental Action in 2003 from the Heinz Family Philanthropies of which Theresa Heinz Kerry is Chairman. The Executive Director of West Harlem Environmental Action's is on LCV's Board of Directors.
Winston does not doubt the integrity of the organizations and persons receiving the cash. Winston also does not in any way suspect that Theresa Heinz Kerry influenced the organizations she leads to donate the cash in expectation that it would result in political benefits to her husband. Winston does, however, wish he were married to Theresa Heinz Kerry.
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