News understates Matty's political gifts by $187,000

[kraig]

What, if any, are the benefits that have been derived from the donations?

[RealityCheck]

What, if any, are the benefits that have been derived from the donations?

Direct access to elected officials beyond what you or I customarily can expect.

Obviously, there's no Donation-->Request-->Favorable Decision chain with connectible dots and a flashing arrow that we and prosecutors can follow.

Campaign checks from Matty, Friends and Family are legal, customary, even an admirable part of democracy to some [[of his fellow DAC members, that is). One can reasonably say he'd be foolish not to grease the path of access to decision-makers whose ears he needs . . . and whose support has bottom-line impact.

Elected recipients of Moroun Empire generosity have influence over MDOT, MEDC, public activity bonds, zoning, permits, street closings and other items critical to the Detroit International Bridge Co.

Naturally, recipients surely would insist their actions have absolutely no relation whatsoever to campaign contributions. And in fairness, that may well be true in at least some instances . . . maybe most, for all we know.

But I do believe a businessman who controls how at least $287,000 is doled out has more influence than any individuals or groups in Corktown, Southwest Detroit or perhaps all of Southeast Michigan. [[And these state totals don't include gifts to congressional candidates or national parties' committees.)

That right there is part of what kindles efforts for campaign finance reform and public underwriting of political spending.