R.I. judgeship candidate is major donor to Democrats
4:50 PM Mon, Apr 13, 2009 | Permalink
Email
 |
 |
Projo 7 to 7 News BlogTaking the news pulse of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, by Providence Journal and projo.com staff, from 7 to 7, every business day |
|
Get the 7 to 7 on your mobile at www.projo.com. Twitter: projo | RSS | Email alerts
« N. Kingstown man, shot by police, may leave R.I. |
Main
| Cause of death still undetermined for man found in car »
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- John J. "Jack'' McConnell Jr., the prominent Rhode Island lawyer whom President Obama has been asked to nominate to Rhode Island's federal court vacancy, is a major donor to Democratic political candidates, party war chests and liberal organizations nationwide.
Over the past two decades, the contributions to party coffers by McConnell and his wife, Sara Shea McConnell, have approached $700,000, according to compilations by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics. They have given tens of thousands of dollars, all told, to the campaigns of Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, the Rhode Island Democrats who suggested his nomination to the new president, and of Mr. Obama himself, and other leading candidates for the presidency.
During the 2008 election cycle alone, the McConnells gave almost $160,000 to elect Democrats, including $77,000 to national party organizations that helped to finance the campaigns of presidential, Senate and House candidates, according to the Washington-based CRP. The McConnells gave a total of $15,500 to individual presidential campaigns of Mr. Obama; Joseph R. Biden Jr., now the vice president; Hillary Rodham Clinton, the new secretary of state; former Sen. John Edwards and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
The McConnells gave $8,800 to Reed's reelection campaign. They gave $3,000 to reelect Rep. James R. Langevin and $4,600 to reelect Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, plus $5,000 more to the political action committee (PAC) that Kennedy operates to give money to fellow Democratic candidates. McConnell have $8,400 to Whitehouse's 2006 election campaign and has since given $3,500 to his PAC fund.
CommentsLeave a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
Tags 
New comments
New photos
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
buy yourself a judgeship nothing new for the most corrupt state in the country rhode island
Report Abuse
Now this is ALL a big surprise.
Report Abuse
I thought there was going to be "Change?" Change that slogan to :"Cash, we can believe in!" Oh, by the way, does he pay taxes?
Report Abuse
No??? Really??? What a surpise.
Report Abuse
He is the very definition of the word "partisan", which is his right and his choice. Judges should not be partisan. Isn't there a candidate out there in the world of law who hasn't had such a political and partisan history? His substantial contributions to political candidates and his position as Treasurer of the State Democrat Party identify him a a loyal and devout democrat. Judges should rise above political partisanship. Aren't there any lawyers out there who are qualified and have avoided the partisan path chosen by Mr. McConnell?
Report Abuse
wow! what a major surprise! a liberal lawyer who worked to keep criminals on the streets so they can continue to rob, rape, and murder rhode islanders gets rewarded by Whitehouse and Reed. they're just as useless as McConnell. talk about buying your way into power! this is a perfect example. this guy doesn't care about justice or protecting america, he cares about himself, criminals, and his cronies. when are you liberals going to see the whole "we represent the working guy" front is a sham?!?!? why do you keep voting for these guys. if your goal is to destroy america, congratulations you're well on your way
Report Abuse
How else do you think that these cushy judgeships are secured? There's no meritocracy at work when judges are appointed. You either need to fill an ethnic slot, or meet ideological requirements, or outright buy the job. This is entirely transparent.
Report Abuse
Reed and Whitehouse, Reid and Pelosi? Shouldn t anyone with half a brain see what is happening? Soscialism will look good compared to communism and Dictatership. Many "Democrats" I talk to do not know what is going on. they do not educate themselves to listen , all they know is their father was a democrat, so they are too.My father was a card carrying blue collar die hard Union Democrat too! or they say "they are all crooks and it doesn't matter",. Look at our General Assembly! They have sold us out for Political and Financial personal gain. Now we get the most liberal appointee for a judgeship who just happens to be a major money supporter. This is a sham! Wake up people.
Report Abuse
Jack made his money suing tobacco companies for selling legal products to willing buyers. He personifies the trial lawyers lobby who win large settlements and funnel large checks to the democratic party. In turn, dems promise to make it easier for anybody to sue anybody else (e.g. pending federal legislation allowing for legal action on the basis of "global warming"). Jack's far-left pals are salivating at the prospects of that one. "...$4,600 to re-elect Patrick Kennedy." If you're a criminal in RI you should be dancing in the streets.
Report Abuse
Robert said: "... Talk about buying your way into power! this is a perfect example. this guy doesn't care about justice or protecting america ....."
Dear Robert - you couldn't be more wrong!
Get to know this man and you would definately take back all of your comments.
Complain if you must, but if McConnell wins nomination, you'll be able to sleep well each night because under his judgeship, Rhode Island will be a must safer place to live!
Report Abuse