Forgotten Fundraiser

Perhaps in the flurry of fundraising events that has brought Bob Ehrlich more than $10 million in campaign cash so far, he has forgotten about one or two. Like the one thrown by Wal-Mart in December 2004.

During an appearance on CNBC yesterday, the Republican governor was asked if he was in Wal-Mart's "pocket," because the giant retailer held a $1,000-per-person fundraiser for him.

"Wal-Mart hosted a $1,000 fundraiser for me?" he asked on the national broadcast. "That is absolutely incorrect. Wal-Mart has not hosted any fundraisers."

Ehrlich's press secretary, Greg Massoni, later said the governor "misspoke. Wal-Mart was not the host, just one of many hosts."

But the invitation to the December 2004 event came emblazoned with Wal-Mart's logo, and at the entrance to the function, held in a private room at the waterfront Marriott in Annapolis, a Wal-Mart sign welcomed those attending (including a Post reporter who stopped by). Massoni said he could not identify any other sponsors.

Ehrlich last spring vetoed a bill that would have forced Wal-Mart to pay more for employee health care. Lawmakers will vote as early as tomorrow, on whether to override that veto.

John Wagner and Matt Mosk

Comments

How do you Walmart friends feel today? Probably a little queazy maybe they should use some of that healthcare stuff they have to go see the doctor. Oh you might actually run into your employees there now that MD requires Walmart to pay its Fair Share

Posted by: Voice of the People | January 13, 2006 11:48 AM | Report abuse

Lol, what's fair share? Why is 8% fair? Did you determine this? Do you run a low cost retail company? What is fair share next year? Does it change? Do you have a sliding scale for fair share? Does it depend on number of employees, something that has nothing to do with the health or well-being of a business?

Posted by: Fair Share | January 14, 2006 11:39 AM | Report abuse

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