Donald Sussman

Lots of conservatives are wondering whether or not Gov. Paul LePage and the unexpected Republican majority in the State House can get a fair shake from the media.

It's a legitimate question because the media, even in Maine, still seems sympathetic to the argument that activist government, not private enterprise, drives the state's economy. Hence the beliefs and actions of, say, a Chellie Pingree tend to elicit less skepticism and questioning than Paul LePage's conservative programs or comments.

Who are the champion enablers to Maine left-wing politicians? And why are they never in the news?

Among the enabling elite is S. Donald Sussman, the New York hedge fund mogul who, along with his partners and associates, funneled a reported $100,000 into U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree's successful campaign for Congress.

An item about the same-sex marriage issue that was under-reported in Maine during the campaign was S. Donald Sussman's donation. In brief references, the Bangor Daily News and a few others reported that Sussman raised $500,000 for the "No on 1" campaign.

That's a huge chunk of cash by any standard, let alone Maine's, so why did it get such subdued coverage in the media? Mega donations are always of interest and when it comes to donors to political causes, locally and nationally, few have deeper pockets than Donald Sussman.

Why, then, hasn't Sussman become a household name?

(AMG's Solitary Path posted this gem on The Public Square forum)

“I miss George Bush.”

“What?” Donald Sussman looked up from the financial section of the Wall Street Journal questioningly to make sure he had heard correctly. “Come again?”
“I miss W,” Chellie Pingree said firmly.