Pohlad, unlike most sports owners, donates to Obama

But he has been among the least generous of America sports owners when it comes to campaign contributions.

Star Tribune

Last update: August 16, 2008 - 1:11 PM

Among America's sports owners, Carl Pohlad and his clan are in the decided minority when it comes to the flow of money to presidential candidates.

Through the end of June, team owners in the four major pro sports and their families have given to or raised more than $3.2 million for presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, but only $615,000 for Democratic rival Barack Obama.

That's according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission data, the campaigns and interviews by the Capitol Hill newspaper Politico.

Pohlad, the banker, investor and Twins owner, and his family have contributed or bundled as much as $217,000 for Obama, Politico reported.

A contribution database run by Congressional Quarterly shows that Vikings owner Zygi Wilf contributed $4,600 to defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton is required to give back half of that, given that she will not make it to the general election, said Politico reporter Kenneth Vogel.

That database also shows that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, a former Republican state senator in Minnesota, has given $2,300 to McCain, and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold contributed $2,100 to Mitt Romney.

PAUL WALSH

Recent President stories

Vice President Biden plans to visit 3 nations in southeastern Europe - August 16, 2008

Vice President Biden plans to visit 3 nations in southeastern Europe - Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit southeastern Europe during the week of May 18. More