Your Favorite Football Teams And Their Favorite Politicians, Part 2
Yesterday we took a look at the political contributions of the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins, the New England Patriots, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the Houston Texans, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts. I know I find that sort of thing interesting as November 4th approaches because my tickets, the jerseys I buy and my old worn out help pay for the things the Jaguars players and staff enjoy, including political candidates I may or may not support.
Let’s start off tonight with the Chicago Bears. For the purpose of simplicity, I am going to stick to the 2008 election. You can go to OpenSecrets.org if you want to dig deeper. I fully encourage you to.
9. Chicago Bears
This one is really interesting to me because Barack Obama is a Bears fan:
And he knows his stuff when it comes to football. However, the Chicago Bears are relatively quiet when it comes to presidential politics. The only donation coming from the organisation is from coach Lovie Smith, who donated 2,300 dollars to Barack Obama.
Final take
Republicans: 0
Democrats: 2,300
10. Baltimore Ravens
Unlike the Bears, the Ravens look like they get into politics. Former player Peter Boulware did not only donate 2,300 to Mike Huckabee during the primaries, he is currently running for the House of Representatives in Florida. The President of the Baltimore Ravens, Richard Cass donated 1,500 to Barack Obama and tight end Todd Heap donated 2,300 to Mitt Romney.
Final take
Republicans: 4,700
Democrats: 1,500
11. Denver Broncos
This one is another team that interested me because Denver is where the Democrats held their convention. It seems like it worked. Tight end Nate Jackson donated 500 to Barack Obama, fullback Kyle Johnson donated 500 to Barack Obama and former wide receiver Rod Smith donated 500 to Barack Obama. Not to be outdone, Daniel Neil donated 775 to the Republican National Committee.
Final take
Republicans: 775
Democrats: 1,500
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are the first Florida team to come on this list. Florida is a swing state in the classic sense. The common idea is that the further south you go, the more liberal it gets and the further north you go the more conservative it gets. Did that translate for the Bucs? Well. Sort of. Kind of. Well. Not at all. Avram Glazer, whose family owns the Bucs, donated 2,300 to Barack Obama. Linebacker Cato June added another 1,000 to Barack Obama.
Final take
Republicans: 0
Democrats: 3,300
13. Miami Dolphins
How sad. The Miami Dolphins don’t have a donation to their name except to the National Football League. The owners have given 10,000 dollars to the NFL and that is it. Though, if you look further, the Dolphins’ staff have donated heavily to the Democrats (though I am not sure that link will work for you guys, sorry if it does not. Basically some one who worked with the Dolphins love them some Joe Lieberman). We won’t count those for the tally since we’re looking only at the 2008 race.
Final take
Republicans: 0
Democrats: 0
14. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers, like the Dolphins, also haven’t donated any money to the presidential campaigns. However, President Mark Richardson has donated 1,000 to Elizabeth Dole’s senate race and the owner has donated to a collection of other Republican candidates. Though, just like with the Dolphins, I will not include these tallies since we’re only dealing with the presidential election.
Final take
Republicans: 0
Democrats: 0
15. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns do care about politics, unlike the Panthers and the Dolphins. Well. Saying the team cares about politics is a little misleading on my part, I suppose. Only one person has donated to a political campaign. Vice President Lewis Merletti donated 2,300 to Fred Thompson.
Final take
Republicans: 2,300
Democrats: 0
16. Green Bay Packers
To end off this rather left leaning day, the Green Bay Packers have one donation under their belt. Cornerback William Blackmon donated 2,000 dollars to Barack Obama.
Final amount for day two
Republicans: 7,775
Democrats: 6,300
Today didn’t include the big spenders like yesterday. However, the Republicans continue to edge ahead in the money tally.
Check back tomorrow for the Chiefs, the Steelers, the Seahawks, the Titans, the Bengals, the Saints, the Rams and the Lions!