Nader draws donations from Bush's supporters

By Ken Slader
The Dallas Morning News

	JESSICA KOURKOUNIS / FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM Ralph Nader's third-party candidacy in 2000 siphoned off Democratic votes. Here, he speaks March 20 in Crawford, Texas.
	E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Related stories Notebook: Kerry touts tax-cut plan for business

AUSTIN, Texas — Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader is receiving a little help from his friends — and from George W. Bush's friends.

Nearly 10 percent of contributors who have given Nader at least $250 have a history of supporting the Republican president, national GOP candidates or the party, according to computer-assisted review of financial records.

Among the new crop of Nader donors: actor and former Nixon speechwriter Ben Stein, Florida frozen-food magnate Jeno Paulucci and Pennsylvania oil-company executive Terrence Jacobs. All have strong ties to the GOP.

Democrats have warned that Nader's entry in the race could help Bush by drawing votes from Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. Some analysts say Nader's third-party candidacy four years ago siphoned off Democratic voters and cost Al Gore the White House.

"Republicans are well aware that Ralph Nader played a spoiler role in the 2000 election. And there is no reason why they wouldn't want to encourage and help him do so again in 2004," said Jano Cabrera, a spokesman for the Democrat National Committee.

A spokesman for the Bush campaign declined to comment on Nader. "We're focused on our campaign. We're focused on generating support for Republican candidates," said Danny Diaz, referring inquiries about Nader fund raising to his donors.

In 2000, Nader was on the ballot in 43 states, including Washington and the District of Columbia, and received 2.7 percent of the vote nationwide. Experts say he was a deciding factor in two states, Florida and New Hampshire, both of which Bush won by razor-thin margins.

Republicans who have given to Nader offered a variety of explanations, including a desire to provide voters a choice in November and to highlight the consumer advocate's issues. Some donors said they were miffed by efforts, primarily Democrats, to keep Nader off the ballot.

None said their donations were designed to boost Bush's chances in the fall.

"Did I give $1,000 to Ralph Nader because I hope and believe he will be president? No," California business executive Charles Ashman said. "I don't believe that any more than Ralph Nader does. But I was offended to see this campaign to squelch him from being a candidate."
 
Ashman said he remains a staunch Republican. He contributed $2,000 to Bush's campaign, the maximum allowed for the general election, according to records.

"I proudly made a contribution to the re-election of President Bush because I support him 100 percent," he said. "I hope and believe he will be re-elected."

As for Ben Stein's money, the television personality and outspoken advocate for the Republican Party has contributed $500 to Nader and $1,000 to Bush this year. Records indicate that Stein over the past decade has given exclusively to the GOP.

Stein agreed to make TV ads for Bush during the 2000 presidential race, though they never aired. He did not return calls.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company