ePluribus Media Community || Open Thread -- Who's Hsu?

Open Thread -- Who's Hsu?

by GreyHawk

Sat Sep 08, 2007 at 11:59:24 AM EST

Who is Norman Hsu and what kind of trouble could he present for Democratic candidates? That's the question I'm left with after reading this article on San Franciso's Examiner.com this morning.

Apparently,

The Bay Area's own international man of mystery has raised his profile in a serious way now that he's apparently gone on the run from prosecutors for the second time after failing to make a court appearance in Redwood City on Wednesday, less than a week after posting $2 million bail. San Mateo Superior Court Judge Robert Foiles ordered Hsu's bail forfeited, but money appears to be the least of Hsu's concerns.

He's not anywhere near as tainted as Jack Abramoff, nor is he part of a very well-financed money fountain like the GOP's K-Street -- he's just one guy, but apparently he's tagged by the article as having cast a taint through his fundraising efforts for Hillary Clinton and New York Democrats in general, including Barack Obama.

Hsu became one of Hillary Clinton's top money bundlers -- achieving the title of "HillRaiser'' that is only given to top donors -- and also a big fundraiser for Democrats ranging from presidential candidate Barack Obama to New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

So, what's the scoop on this guy?

And does anyone know how the recipients of the "fugitive fundraiser's" largesse are addressing any potentially questionable contributions?

This is also an Open Thread.

commentary :: :: :: buzz-it!

Open Thread -- Who's Hsu? | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)

Hsu (5.00 / 2) (#1)

His is an odd story all the way along. And nobody seems to have been particularly interested in catching up with the guy until recently. Which of course, makes me wonder just how many other people like Hsu have a heavy hand in influencing politics. it doesn't even matter which side of the aisle either.

We really need to take the money out of politics. Just because someone can make money doesn't make them a font of virtuosity and sage wisdom. It just means they can make money.

by susie dow on Sat Sep 08, 2007 at 01:21:33 PM EST

: Excellent point -- with the money (and (none / 0) (#3)

perhaps any money-like promises) out of politics, perhaps the politicians would be forced to reckon with voters more often, instead of whoever had the deeper pockets.

by GreyHawk on Sat Sep 08, 2007 at 04:08:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]