Business

Walmart Dumps Conservative Group ALEC After 19 Years

Walmart Dumps ALECNEW YORK (AP/The Blaze) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has withdrawn its membership in a conservative political group that has come under fire as part of the Trayvon Martin case, saying it has strayed from its core mission to advance free-market principles.

The group, the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, is made up of a group of lawmakers and private sector officials and has become a lightning rod for political debate in recent months. Wal-Mart has been a member since 1993.

Liberal activists complain that ALEC, which has been around for nearly 40 years, improperly influences legislation around the country by allowing corporate leaders to develop model legislation alongside state lawmakers. They also point to some of the laws that ALEC has helped spread around the country, such as ID rules for voters and the so-called “Stand Your Ground” self-defense law that’s at the center of the Florida case in which teenager Martin was killed.

For its part, ALEC has said that it is being unfairly targeted as part of a broader campaign against its conservative agenda. It also says efforts to tie it into the Martin case are unfair. In April it said it would it was eliminating its public safety task force that had dealt with the “Stand Your Ground” law and said it was refocusing those resources on economic matters.

Late Wednesday, Maggie Sans, Wal-Mart’s vice president of public affairs and government relations, sent a letter to ALEC leaders saying it has previously expressed concern about ALEC’s decision to weigh in on issues that “stray from its core mission ‘to advance the Jeffersonian principles of free markets.’”

“We feel that the divide between these activities and our purpose as a business has become too wide,” said Sans, who has served as ALEC’s Secretary of the Private Enterprise board. “To that end, we are suspending our membership in ALEC.”

Wal-Mart‘s decision follows several other companies’ withdrawal from the group, including Amazon.com, Coca-Cola Co., Kraft Foods Inc., McDonald’s Corp., PepsiCo Inc. and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Walmart Dumps ALECALEC has come under increased pressure since the Trayvon Martin shooting.

ALEC said in a statement it is “disappointed” in Wal-Mart’s decision but understands “the unique pressures they are under.”

“However, as we announced in April, ALEC is solely focused on limited government, free-market solutions in the states that create jobs and improve the economy,” the statement read.

The decision came in the run-up to Wal-Mart’s annual shareholder meeting at its Bentonville, Ark., headquarters on Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (113)

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  • Seymour
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:35pm

    Wal-Mart figures the demographic they serve will support this. Let’s just say the $3-4000 I do spend at this store annually will now be going to Target. My family knew the Walton’s when we were growing up in Hughes AR. Bad move Wal-Mart. Next will be unions that I’m sure Sam and Helen would agree if still alive but just as Hollywood, you have now selected or I should say alienated a substantial amount of customer’s. Hope your enjoying our tax dollars so non-producers can spend in your stores. The beginning of a slow and painful end Rob and Mike. These are rare times indeed.

    Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:45pm

      Have you seen the wal-mart picture jokes, they should be berry berry careful who they *******

      Report Post » HKS  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:55pm

      So… they do not want to offend the Left, Unions, and NAACP & Obama supporters… but the rest are Open Season? They must have nice Offices in China!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • betterthantv
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:36pm

      @SEYMOUR I understand your frustrations but I would take a long hard look at Target. Personally I won’t spend a dime at Target. First and foremost it’s a French Company and we all know how the French despise us. Second, I would look into their repeated hostilities towards our military and veterans. Thirdly, I work in wholesale foods and Target is one of the most poorly run companies that my company deals with. I wonder daily how they are able to actually open the doors and turn the lights on with the incompetence that is shown time and again by it’s upper management. Wal-Mart has it’s issues, but that facts are facts. They repeatedly defend capitalism at all cost. They will not budge on the union threats. They employ more “low-wage, low educated” people than ANY other business in America. Wal-Mart has most certainly taken a turn for the worse since the old man died and the kids have taken over. But they remain one of the very few big companies to reject all hippie health food police, the “green” police and they ALWAYS stand for and defend capitalism!

      No, I do not work for Wal-Mart or own their stock. I have just spent the time to educate myself on American business. Wal-Mart is not perfect. But their the best were gonna get outside the small time mom and pop operations.

      Report Post » betterthantv  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:58pm

      hmmmm, maybe we should stop shopping Walmart for a while,,,,,,,I believe I will.

      Report Post »  
    • CatholicConservative
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:30pm

      BETTERTHANTV; you’re confused: Target is an American company, founded and headquartered in Minnesota .

      Report Post » CatholicConservative  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:31am

      People still shop at Walmart???

      Report Post » IndyGuy  
    • alaz0405
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 7:16am

      Problem is, Target is already supporting the far left. We continue to box us in.

      Report Post »  
    • Pendragon
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:12am

      There is always Target….

      Report Post » Pendragon  
    • Thankful to be an American
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:28pm

      Seymour,

      I sent Wal Mart an email (cstreply@wal-mart.com) to that affect and here is the reply I got:

      Thank you for your recent inquiry. At Walmart, everything we do is connected to our mission of helping people save money so they can live better. To that end, the company supports legislative efforts consistent with this goal. Historically, we found value in working with ALEC and its legislative members on issues related to tax, commerce, and economic development. This organization was helpful in facilitating the exchange of ideas among our nation’s leaders.

      Previously, we expressed our concerns about ALEC’s decision to weigh in on issues that stray from its core mission “to advance the Jeffersonian principles of free markets”. We feel that the divide between these activities and our purpose as a business has become too wide. To that end, we are suspending our membership in ALEC. We look forward to seeing ALEC refocus its efforts on economic issues as we are best served by thoughtful dialogue on policies that relate to this purpose.

      My reply:

      BS you caved into the likes of Van Jones, so I am suspending my spending in any of your stores!

      Maybe I need to rethink my position on the protesting against allowing Wal-Mart in to communities because they kill the Mom & Pop stores?

      Maybe it is time for the Blaze readers to flood them with emails? It took less that 24 hours to respond, must not be too busy.

      Report Post »  
    • Blazeanswerman
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:31pm

      Target will be printing up shirts to sell for Gay Pride. There is no where to go. I wish to be a billionaire just to open a value friendly box store. I know that there are more of us then them out there but the media is king in communication. Most believe what they read, and many believe the immorality is the mainstream acceptance. Walmart now sucks on my radar too. Target just sucks period!!!

      Report Post » Blazeanswerman  
    • Michigan Vacation
      Posted on June 9, 2012 at 4:48pm

      Target is no friend of Conservative America.

      Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:34pm

    This is really not a surprise is it?

    Anyways… is the “People of Wal-Mart” site still up to get our laugh at the Liberal shopper fix if we decide to no longer shop there? I think I’ve been in a Wally-World maybe 3 times anyways… was like a chaotic third world street scene.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:29pm

    I‘m sure that Obama’s economic administrative thugs had a big part in Wal-Mart making this decision. Like other posts, I do not shop Wal-Mart anymore .

    Report Post »  
    • inblack
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:39pm

      I’ll still go to Walmart.

      1) They have a right to be a one issue donor.
      2) Walmart does more for the poor people of this country than the govt or any other company.

      I don’t have a problem with ALEC, in fact I support them, but I respect Walmart as well.

      BTW, I hope you plan to boycott Amazon.com, Coca-Cola Co., Kraft Foods Inc., McDonald’s Corp., PepsiCo Inc. and Microsoft. Maybe you can take the money you would have spent on Windows 8 and send it to ALEC.

      Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:28pm

      I know it would b e an impossible task, but I would like to see a detailed report, not just a survey, showing how many of those who SAY they will no longer shop at Walmart have ACTUALLY stopped shopping there!!!!!!!!

      As far as I am concerned, I don’t care for the decision, but it was a BUSINESS decision, and they have the right to make such a decision. As long as Walmart offers the products and prices which I like, I will continue to shop there. When I think I an do better elsewhere, I shall shop elsewhere! The same goes for Pepsi, Coke, MS, etc.

      My soie soft drink for over 20 years has been Diet Pepsi, and I am not about to change for politics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Even if Pepsi were to donate to OBOZO’s campaign fund, I would still drink Diet Pepsi (until Mayor Bloomberg drags it from my dieing hands)

      Report Post »  
  • Sutter Buttes
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:26pm

    My family and friends will no longer shop at WalMart.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:56pm

      Just made my list .. sad because I have friends who work there … but have to stand up … too bad they caved to pressure .. I guess they will let the unions in next .. RIGHT????

      Report Post »  
    • Kathleen3
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:11pm

      Over 7 years ago WalMart was cited for hiring illegal aliens. Shortly thereafter they were exposed for instructing their employees on procedures for obtaining government assistance. They strong arm their purveyors to produce products in China vs the U.S. Seven years ago I vowed to never enter or purchase any products from WalMart and, to date, I have not. Along the way I have convinced family members and friends to do the same.

      Report Post »  
    • Outcast
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:10am

      Can’t say I will stop shopping at walmart all together. However, if I can get it somewhere else I will. I stopped going to McDonalds a little over 10 years ago due to the poor choices McDonalds have made and siding with liberals. I have not been back since. I can get a burger and fries anywhere. However there is some stuff that walmart has that you just can’t get anywhere else.

      Report Post » Outcast  
  • Mobie1316
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:25pm

    When the unions were attacking who stood by them? When the left was saying get out of our communities who stood by them? Sam “The man my Grandpa respected” your Dream is Dying.

    Report Post »  
  • GrumpyCat
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:15pm

    Next time you are asked for ID before Walmart accepts your credit card Just Say No.

    If one should not need an ID to vote, one should not need an ID to write a check or use a credit card at Walmart.

    Report Post »  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:25pm

      I gonna dump Walmart!

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:35pm

      In today‘s environment of ’commerce,’ some retailers could really care less as long as the transaction goes thru. Some DO still ask for ‘id’ for some transactions, but the conditions and parameters vary I’m guessing.

      Report Post »  
  • SPOT_OF_TEA
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:05pm

    I think Walmart has had the future explained to them.There will be a few giant companies left standing, regulated and controlled by the government leaving the illusion of a free market economy….They had a choice if they wanted to be part of the future or if they wanted to be squeezed out…We see the choice they made.

    Report Post » SPOT_OF_TEA  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:52pm

      right on, SPOT…you combine that with the spoiled entitled brats that now run WalMart (Sam would be rolling in his grave) and this is what you get. They had a chance to stand up and be a HUGELY positive force in the war for this nation and instead they choose to side with the traitors. History will NOT be kind to them for this.

      Report Post » usedCZARsalesman  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:59pm

    Darn…….. I was looking forward to becoming a walmart shopper again. Just so I could quit shopping there AGAIN. Now I don’t even have the stomach for that. TARGET BABY! KMART baby! ACE HARDWARE BABAY! ABW- Anywhere but walmart!

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:57pm

    ALEC, NAACP, and the SPLC have all sought out different agendas away from their original goal, and objective of cilvil rights.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • John2261
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:53pm

    I never go to Wal-Mart. They seem to attract the more seedy people in our communities. Now if I had even a faint thought of patronizing one (which I don’t) that is out the window due to this move regarding ALEC. I’m sure Target or other local store owners will like my money…

    Report Post » John2261  
    • myvotecounts
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:10pm

      Ditto. My Target is closer to my house. The left has been campaigning against Target for awhile and that really confuses me too. Target has long been known for its liberal policies benefiting gay employees….Maybe I’ll just shop at Albertsons.

      Report Post » myvotecounts  
    • Todd P
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:44pm

      I rarely go to Wally World anymore, mainly due to the people who work there and shop there (not my kind of crowd). Now I have another reason not to go.

      Report Post »  
  • beachmom
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:53pm

    Well, next time some leftist legislation comes up that Walmart doesn’t like, will they go crying to ALEC to take them back?

    Report Post »  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:51pm

    The Waltons are very smart. They are good businessmen and women. They have lots of Johns Hopkins trained lawyers and they are intent being responsible for their own interests. ALEC is in trouble as soon as someone reveals one of their meeting tapes! Oh, where is James O’Keefe when you need him?

    TEA

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • bumfuzeled
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:49pm

    I agree with the bitter and smokey, I stopped shopping there years ago when Wal-mart made the change from made in the U.S.A. to made in China.

    Report Post » bumfuzeled  
    • Heb4Seven
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:28am

      Where do you shop that DOES NOT sell at least 90% China made products?!?!?

      And for those that don’t remember…Target was one of the first to ban the Salvation Army Bell Ringers from their stores. In addition, they are more often supporters for extreme Liberal causes.

      Report Post »  
    • behonest
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:37pm

      my thoughts exactly “made in america” was there symbol. I am not spending anywhere I am just doing without and saving my money. I don’t trust this regime at all. they do not believe in the american people making their own choices. good or bad

      Report Post » behonest  
  • lisa2994
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:49pm

    Looks like I will have to shop the local grocery store from now on.

    Report Post » lisa2994  
  • truthseekerusa
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:48pm

    I have been on the Wal-Mart e-mail list for many years and occasionally ordered products that it was promoting. Today I unsubscribed–one small voice if joined by many can make a difference.

    Report Post »  
  • Too_Far_Gone
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:47pm

    Of course they are among the “elite” of thw world, $$$ wise.

    Report Post » Too_Far_Gone  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:46pm

    Sam Walton would be ashamed of his company now.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • Too_Far_Gone
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:52pm

      Thought that years ago.

      Report Post » Too_Far_Gone  
    • saranda
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:32pm

      Sam Walton is to blame for this. Forcing production to China to satisfy his need for cheaper and cheaper priced goods, while simultaneously costing his customers their jobs. Recognize the cycle this stupidity created? Can’t buy his crap without jobs. And those who can start to reject the crqp quality he demands from his suppliers.

      Report Post »  
    • Krutch
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:38pm

      @ sandra
      I may be wrong, but Sam was into only American made. It was after he passed away that walletworld went to china.

      Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:46pm

    Walmart caved to pressure from the Democratic thugs no doubt. If you will not stand up to this Wall Mart, do you think Americans will stand with you?

    Report Post »  
  • BobtheMoron
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:46pm

    Not shopping at Wally World again. Old man Walton is probably spinning in his grave.

    Report Post » BobtheMoron  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:46pm

    ALL businesses are bowing to progressive pressure and intimidation. It’s a shame. Oh, and GUESS who is behind all this intimidation? VAN JONES and COLOR OF CHANGE. Big surprise. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/04/26/michelle-malkin-democratic-lynch-mobs-are-attacking-alec/

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • raderby
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:45pm

    when Sam died, the days were numbered for the rest of the Cavey McCaversons in the family and Board at Walmart to bend over and kiss the left’s butt.

    Report Post » raderby  
  • SUNTZU
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:45pm

    Going to wal mart.is like going to China..

    Report Post » SUNTZU  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:44pm

    Wow!! Penney’s now Walmart?? Ok…… You’re digging your own grave. Fine by me…. Never did like shopping in those trash stores anyway.

    Report Post »  
  • bitterclinger
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:43pm

    Et tu, WallyWorld? What a bunch of spineless wimps. No matter. I quit dropping $$ there when they started jacking up prices even more than stores that had been historically more pricey than them.

    Report Post » bitterclinger  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:42pm

    I Have done one better.I have dropped my Wal-Mart Stock and will never set foot in one again. ******-Mart.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • michael48
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:42pm

      dropped sam’s card as well…looking into Costco..see if they have become part of the lemming , kool-aide comrade crowd…

      Report Post »  
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