Business

Did Obama’s Energy Secretary Tip Off a Donor About Investments?

The RNC has released a new ad today blasting President Obama for potential cronyism. And unlike with so many recent political ads, this one’s charge looks like it may stick a bit. Watch the ad below before proceeding with the story.

The ad charges, in brief, that Steve Westly, of Westly Group Investments, donated $500,000 to the Obama campaign in 2008, only to get back a $500 million return on his investments through government subsidies. The implication, made without very much subtlety at all, is that Westly is a crony of the administration who paid money for political influence.

And indeed, there may be a paper trail to substantiate that charge. Politico reports:

Republicans have long alleged that Westly’s campaign fundraising prowess garnered him preferential treatment in the form of federal money for companies backed by his firm, the Westly Group, and direct access to top White House officials. But the White House and the Obama campaign have strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as a political stunt.

Westly’s name also came up in the Solyndra investigation: Emails showed he had warned White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett in May 2010 about Obama’s upcoming visit to the California solar company, a year before it filed for bankruptcy.

“Will the White House release all communications between Steven Chu and Steve Westly between inauguration day and the distribution of stimulus funds to Westly-backed companies?” the RNC asked in a memo to White House press secretary Jay Carney and Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki. “Will they release a transcript of advisory board meetings with Chu and Westly?”

To no one’s surprise, Westly’s spokesperson, Joel Berman,  has denied any wrongdoing. From the Washington Post’s fact check of the ad:

“Westly never contacted DOE or the White House regarding loan or grant applications for Westly Group portfolio companies,” Berman said. “There is no evidence to suggest a connection between Mr. Westly’s roles as an investor, member of SEAB, and as a supporter of President Obama.”

The Washington Times apparently wasn’t going to take this assertion lying down however, so they cornered no less an eminence than Energy Secretary Steven Chu. However, as you’ll see from the video below, they were stonewalled:

Now, while this behavior is suspicious, it’s hardly conclusive. Readers are urged to proceed with caution. However, seeing as the Washingotn Post fact-checkers (mentioned above) gave the ad only One Pinocchio, it does not appear that the RNC is chasing ghosts.

Comments (14)

  • prkw
    Posted on August 3, 2012 at 9:59am

    I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that the latest $600,000,000 General Motors ad campaign for Manchester United Football Club will spill money into the DNC. The owners of MU are American, Obama supporters and donors.

    Report Post » prkw  
  • HKS
    Posted on August 3, 2012 at 7:17am

    These fools sent Martha Stewart to Jail for less than that. Oh, I forgot we don’t have an attorney general.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • karen162
    Posted on August 3, 2012 at 5:44am

    “Did Obama’s Energy Secretary Tip Off a Donor About Investments?”

    I’m not even going to waste my time reading this story. If it is unethical, immoral or against the law, then most likely this Administration is guilty.

    Report Post » karen162  
  • WatchingAmericaDie
    Posted on August 3, 2012 at 3:22am

    Obama is a big piece of crap and Chu is a little piece of crap. Oh, and they’re both communists.

    Report Post »  
  • What_Did_I_Miss
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:00pm

    The have been looting the treasury, pure and simple.

    Report Post »  
    • BloodSweatandTears
      Posted on August 3, 2012 at 12:24am

      In Germany there is this a famous castle known as Neuschweinstein (sp) sumptuous beyond description. Parties were often thrown, no expense denied.
      A huge tourist attraction today, but in it’s time the elaborate edifice bankrupted the nation. One night two men showed up at the castle for a meeting to discuss the national budget.. Bored by the concept- he suggested a midnight swim instead. Mysteriously the young sovereign disappeared, later found in the lake after the questionable late night swim. Until now, I never connected all the events.

      Problem is today -we are beyond turning back.

      Report Post »  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:43pm

    All these stimulus loans have one thing in common …they were given to Obama campaign contributors from the 2008 election They were pay offs…This will go down in history as one of the biggest rip offs of the American taxpayers that has ever occurred.

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:36pm

    Manchurian Candidate traitor to this country.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:30pm

    Let me be clear…….I did not have sex with……oh, wait, I did not give anyone any financial advice. Come on, look at these clowns, they have not only put the proverbial “BUS” back in the ditch, they doused it in gas, lit it on fire with the US Dollar, beat the driver to death, and then tried to make a false insurance claim, while saying they got Whiplash, and are suing the American People. All that while texting secrets to our enemies, stripping our rights away, and lieing to our face.

    But, I don’t believe they gave anyone financial advice, unless anyone listening just did the opposite.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • SCREW-WINDOWS
      Posted on August 3, 2012 at 1:39am

      I am outraged I got screwed again and not so much as a kiss, Not that I would have taken the kiss knowing where those lips have been.
      Steven Chu does not work for the U.S. he works for the debt holder China.

      Report Post » SCREW-WINDOWS  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:15pm

    God and the ones that lie and cheat are the ones that know. Judgement day will tell the full story.

    Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:41pm

      And until God’s people (andthose who deny Him) vote according to principle (I am listening to Dick Morris on Greta Van Sustern talking about the VP choice based upon demographics) we are doomed. If you think abortion is a grand fabulous idea – vote for Obama; If you think natural marriage is oppresive and bigoted – vote for Obama; if you think that higher taxes and more gov’t regulation helps you pursue yoru happiness – vote for Obama; If you think that people who do not work, but could work deserve a share of your hard earned labor – vote for Obama. If you do not believe that all should have equal opportunity but rather some are not as capable as others and need “special” consideration – vote for Obama. If you want the free-est, most properous Nation that has ever been seen on the face of this earth to die – the hope of liberty every where – vote for Obama.

      But if you want to save this great Republic, vote for anybody but Obama.

      And Bro Winston et al – I do not want to hear it.

      The only salvation we have as a Nation is to return to God almighty and the principles He laid out in His Word. Until, we as a people return to our founding principles ( and it is going to take many election cycles) No one man can help us. Romney will give us time – Obama dooms us.

      I realize this will be a stretch – but choose wisely

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:53pm

      Frankie says “Choose Life”

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  

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