Petrelis Files

The presidential and vice presidential debates in the fall will be upon us soon enough, which is why I've been looking at the Commission on Presidential Debates, the Democrats and Republicans who control it, past corporate sponsors, and Gallup Organization because of its pivotal role in the debates. [1]

Although there are lawsuits pending against the commission, and all of its member have made substantial federal contributions to candidates and PACs, not to mention the lack of information on the commission's web site listing this election year's Big Business underwriters, my concern today is solely on the Gallup Organization, its
bosses and their donations, and the severe lack of transparency from the commission.

The commission's June 17 news release about the formats for the debates promises the "second presidential debate will use the town meeting format in which undecided voters, selected by the Gallup Organization, will question the candidates." [2]

I wanted to know the political leanings, if any, of Gallup executives and pollsters, as gleaned from Federal Election Commission files, and did a search at the Political Money Line with Gallup Organization as the query term. The hits below were returned. [3]

Jim Clifton, the chief executive officer of Gallup gave $2,000 last year to Herman Cain, an African-American GOP member who ran for U.S. Senate from Georgia. A global practice leader, whatever that may be, Curt Coffman, donated the same amount last year to Cain.

One of Gallup's senior vice presidents, Robert Nielsen, wrote a check for $250 to the Democratic Senatorial PAC in May 2004.

Another senior vice president, Max Larsen, is the largest Gallup donor with $2,750 in contributions to four Democratic candidates, including $1,500 to John Kerry's reelection bid.

Just goes to show you Gallup folks donates to both dominant political parties.

Of course, there's nothing illegal or ethically wrong with citizens, even if they work for a polling firm, making contributions to politicians.

But I believe the debate commission has civic duty to post these donations on their web site, to better inform votes about the political donating of everyone involved in putting on the debates.

And the commission must also list all of this year's corporate donors, along with all of the most recent donations from commission members, as listed with the Federal Election Commission.

At this point in the election cycle, it is shameful much transparency needs to be adopted and adhered to by the debates commission.

American democracy will be better served if the debate commission quickly implement full transparency.

Sources:
1. Commission on Presidential Debates
2. Press release from the commission
3. Political Money Line

^^^


CLIFTON, JAMES
6/25/2003 $2,000.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20037
GALLUP ORGANIZATION -[Contribution]
CAIN FOR US SENATE

COFFMAN, CURT
6/30/2003 $2,000.00
HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80126
GALLUP ORGANIZATION -[Contribution]
CAIN FOR US SENATE

NIELSEN, ROBERT
5/10/2004 $250.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20037
GALLUP ORGANIZATION -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Van De Walle, Patrice
2/25/2004 $250.00
London UK W9 3JS,
Gallup Organization/Director -[Contribution]
KAZA FOR CONGRESS

Raikes, Helen H Mrs.
3/31/2004 $200.00
Lincoln, NE 68506
Gallup/Research -[Contribution]
CURT BROMM FOR CONGRESS

Dawson, Brian
3/16/2004 $500.00
Lincoln, NE 68506
Gallup/Consultant -[Contribution]
JEFF FORTENBERRY FOR UNITED STATES CONGRESS COMMITTEE

Larsen, Max
9/30/2002 $250.00
Rockville, MD 20850
Gallup Inc./Researcher -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF JIM MALONEY INC

Larsen, Max D.
9/30/2002 $250.00
Washington, DC 20003
Gallup Inc. -[Contribution]
VAN HOLLEN FOR CONGRESS

LARSEN, MAX
3/7/2000 $250.00
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
GALLUP INC -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF JIM MALONEY INC

LARSEN, MAX
6/28/2000 $500.00
LINCOLN, NE 68510
GALLUP INC -[Contribution]
NELSON 2000

LARSEN, MAX
6/29/1999 $1,000.00
LINCOLN, NE 68510
GALLUP -[Contribution]
KERREY FOR U S SENATE COMMITTEE

LARSEN, MAX
9/28/1999 $500.00
LINCOLN, NE 68510
GALLUP -[Contribution]
KERREY FOR U S SENATE COMMITTEE