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Highway Bill Took Young On Cross Country Fundraising Tour
When developer Daniel Aronoff wanted an interchange built in Florida, Rep. Don Young (R-AK) came through -- after Aronoff arranged a $40,000 fundraiser for him. But Florida wasn't the only remote state where the Alaskan congressman proved popular in 2005. A massive transportation bill was making its way through Congress, and Young, as the chairman of the transportation committee, was in a powerful position.
In addition to Aronoff's $40,000 in Florida, Young raised tens of thousands of dollars in Wisconsin, Arkansas, and New Jersey during the spring and summer of 2005 from residents and special interests eager to curry favor with the man who would preside over a $280 billion authorization bill.
In fact, Young proved much more popular with those outside his state during that time than with Alaskans. Young raised only $37,862 from Alaskans for his campaign and political action committees in the first six months of 2005 -- that's compared to $90,000 from Floridians, $22,000 from Wisconsinites, $174,000 from Arkansans, and $30,000 from New Jerseyans.
Below is our rundown of Young's special tour of our great nation, and how the locals fared.
Florida
First and foremost, of course, is Young's infamous $10 million Coconut Road earmark, one which Young inserted (changing the language after the bill passed Congress) against the wishes of local officials.
Following the typical Young-earmark pattern, a fundraiser arranged by part-time Naples resident and real estate developer Daniel Aronoff triggered the earmark, after netting $40,000 for Young's campaign.
The project is unpopular in the area and local authorities have asked for permission to use the money for what was outlined by the original earmark before it was changed.
Wisconsin
In late May of 2005, businessman Dennis Troha, his family, and associates gave $22,000 to Young.
He had his reasons. Daniel Bice of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported that Troha was angling to have truck hauling legislation included in the transportation bill that would benefit Troha's trucking conglomerate. Troha got what he wanted (thanks also to Reps. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Jim Oberstar (D-MN)), but has since been indicted. Earlier this summer, he pleaded guilty to making illegal contributions to Democrats and Republicans alike. He's yet to be sentenced and faces a maximum of two years in prison.
Bice reports that Troha is currently cooperating with federal prosecutors as they probe the trucking deal. Young says that he's never met Troha and didn't know the rule change would benefit him.
Around the same time the US attorney's office began looking into the contributions, Young retained Akin Gump for $25,000.
Arkansas
Another state far from Young's district – Arkansas – reaped $415 million in transportation earmarks just a few months after residents there gave generously to Young and his PAC.
The projects included $72 million to extend Interstate 530 starting in the town of Pine Bluff, where Arkansas natives contributed $66,000. "There were people from all over southeastern Arkansas," an Arkansas Democrat told the Anchorage Daily News, adding that "any time a chairman of a major committee comes down here, we're going to salute."
The bill also tagged $35 million to widen the street leading to Wal-Mart's headquarters in Bentonville. Young collected $14,000 from Wal-Mart's PAC and executives around the time the bill passed.
Just before the November 2006 mid-term elections, Young was asked what it would be like to serve as minority ranking member on the transportation committee. From the Anchorage Daily News:
"Now I can say this is for Alaska and not have to be worried about, you know, Arkansas," said Young with a grin.
Unfortunately for Young, the demotion is likely to be bad news for his campaign funds.
New Jersey
On May 23, 2005, Young appeared at a lunch in New Jersey before a crowd of business, labor and government officials to discuss the bill and assure them that New Jersey was a vital transportation gateway to the entire country. They responded gratefully to the man who would “serve in the critically important position of Conference Committee chairman,” as a press release from the New Jersey Alliance for Action, which sponsored the lunch, put it. Young collected $29,500 in contributions.
The bill ultimately passed with 179 earmarks for New Jersey worth more than $550 million, according to an analysis by Taxpayers for Common Sense; 32 of those earmarks, worth $186 million, were inserted during the bill’s conference. New Jersey lawmakers were happy with their haul.
Comments (20)
Anonymous wrote on August 23, 2007 6:48 PM:Hey somebody has to ante up to keep crooked/unethical politicians in office. The only ones who do in Alaska are the businessmen who benefit from his "if you want something you have to pay for it style". As you can see there are not many of them and alaskans believe in low balling on their bribes.
kilo wrote on August 23, 2007 6:48 PM:How is this fool still around?
heh wrote on August 23, 2007 7:11 PM:kilo:
to answer your question, one word, O-V-E-R-S-I-G-H-T
AND TPM
frustrated wrote on August 23, 2007 7:16 PM:I think this fool, as many others, are around simply because most voters go into the box, recognize a name, and vote due to the recognition and celebrity status.
Remember, Arnold, in California, made about a billion dollars for doing nothing more than fooling people into thinking he was something he wasn't... for seven or eight dollars per admission cost, plus popcorn and soda. The voters thought this was such a good quality, they voted him in as governor.
And just think... who wouldn't prefer a distinguished looking gentleman such as Young, who will tell us anything we want to hear, over a decent, intelligent, honest guy with a club foot or crooked nose...
Ron Harris wrote on August 23, 2007 7:19 PM:The biggest fools are the idiots that vote for these crooks. It would be nice if votes would get with it and stop supporting these damn crooks.
ron
Richard L. Adlof wrote on August 23, 2007 7:22 PM:www.fedup.com
Route 666 - The highway running between Alaska and the hell Young needs to burn in once he gives up hhis undead status for a dirt nap.
williamf wrote on August 23, 2007 7:52 PM:Is it just that it's vacation time, again, for our elected representatives or...congress is not going to do something about this jerk who thinks he's so immune he can edit bills on his own without the guidance of the constitution and 200 years of history? Isn't this a crime? Where does such arrogance come from and how do we set this "representative of the people" straight. Where are the remedies!?
Darkie wrote on August 23, 2007 7:57 PM:as Young, who will tell us anything we want to hear, over a decent, intelligent, honest guy with a club foot or crooked nose...
Kucinich has a club foot too?
[sorry, just could not resist...]
exskibum wrote on August 23, 2007 8:04 PM:Clearly, human nature is different when it comes to career politicians. With them (unlike NBA referrees and other little people), there is no quid pro quo; campaign contributions are just an example of free speech. Just ask John Doolittle -- my congress-crook from whom I learned all that some years ago.
EH wrote on August 23, 2007 8:35 PM:I would be interested to know what the typical rate of return on political contributions is.
Anonymous wrote on August 23, 2007 10:34 PM:And he is still using taxpayers money for the slick glossy mailer I got in the mail today. He isn't even using his ill-gotten gains to pay for his campaign literature.
Anonymous wrote on August 23, 2007 10:51 PM:Vote JAKE 2008! Dump Don!
NY Vinnie wrote on August 24, 2007 1:30 AM:TPM.....Look into what Robert Congel, Pyramid Company gave Don, what it was for and if Don reported it.
Start with the corporate jet, a Citation X I believe.
paul wrote on August 24, 2007 10:07 AM:GO FBI and DOJ Public Integrity investigators
Remember, every time you go to Walmart, to add $35 million to those low prices...
PalmerBuyer wrote on August 24, 2007 12:11 PM:I'm just waiting for the indictments!
Alaskan's deserve better than these bums.
Better than a soap opera. So sad.
Technology has outpaced their ability to lie and hide. Thank goodness.
djcrow22 wrote on August 24, 2007 12:41 PM:The complete lack of outrage to what should be a felony really puzzles me. The utter arrogance and blatant criminality of changing the language of legislation after it has passed is staggering. Are you effing kidding me? The total lack of response from other politicians to denounce and castigate Young for his actions is disgusting and scary. How widespread is this sort of behavior? Young should be removed from every committee he is on and the FBI should immediately begin a criminal investigation and bring indictments against Young. Between Young,Ted Stevens and the rest of the criminal legislators from Alaska, the level of arrogance and contempt for the rule of law by Congress as a whole is indicative of the near total destruction of our government by the Bush Administration. Where is the outrage???
OVGuillermo wrote on August 25, 2007 5:07 AM:Thank you for your site. I have found here much useful information.
Stephen Taufen wrote on August 25, 2007 8:49 AM:Good site ! ;)
One must remember the thanks Florida's delegates gave to Don Young - this from a Connie Mack news release (partial):
July 29, 2005
$81.1 Million Secured for I-75 Expansion
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) and Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) announced that the United States House of Representatives and Senate have agreed to authorize $81.1 million for the expansion of I-75 in Southwest Florida.
This historic funding is included in the conference report which reconciles the differences between the two chambers’ versions of H.R. 3 the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which passed in the House today. The Senate is expected to adopt the measure later on Friday.
Diaz-Balart, a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and a conferee, said:
“Funding for I-75 has always been a top priority for me, so I am thrilled that Congressman Connie Mack and I were successful in getting this done. This project is vital to everyone in Southwest Florida and is a big victory for the region.
“We appreciate Chairman Don Young for helping us shepherd this through, and we thank Senators Martinez and Nelson for making I-75 funding a top priority. This comprehensive highway bill not only meets our nation’s transportation needs but also improves Florida’s position as a ‘donor’ state. It is a win for Florida and a big win for Naples.”
Mack, a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, said:
justsaynoemore wrote on August 25, 2007 11:23 AM:“I’m thrilled and honored to be able to announce that the United States Congress is poised to authorize $81.1 million to expand I-75 in Southwest Florida.
“I want to thank my good friend Mario Diaz-Balart for his tireless work throughout this entire process. He and I will continue to work together every day to ensure Southwest Florida remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. I would also to thank Senators Martinez and Nelson for their commitment to this critical project. Without their help, and without all of us working together, this simply wouldn’t have been possible.
“Lastly, this exciting moment would not have been possible without the widespread support of the entire Southwest Florida community. Your singular voice and tireless ...
The local MPO has had the I75/Coconut Road exchange plans on the books for 26 YEARS and the ROW bought up on the WEST SIDE of I75, for the planned WEST SIDE ONLY exchange. The supposed briber's land is on the EAST SIDE of I75, where there are no plans or ROW for the exchange. Minor detail that keeps getting glossed over.
RaindeerDawg wrote on September 1, 2007 2:28 AM:God Yes!!!! Jake Metcalfe in 2008 indeed!! How does Don Young sleep at night? Funny thing though, he is still only the second most vile person in Alaskan politics. Number one has to go to Ted Stevens. JAKE IN 08 !!!