New governors get private funds for inaugurals

By Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAYWASHINGTON — At least a third of the nation's newly elected governors are collecting large contributions from wealthy individuals and companies to help pay for their inaugural celebrations, records and interviews show.Some donors — such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, which donated $25,000 to Florida's Republican Gov.-elect Rick Scott — have substantial business interests within those states.

Even as states cope with budget shortfalls and high unemployment, the inaugural events include lavish formal dinners, gala balls and invitation-only events where some donors will get access to top state officials.

Aides to the incoming governors say fundraising is needed to spare taxpayer expense. "We are looking at a $1.6 billion deficit going into the next fiscal year," said Ryan Kazmirzack, a spokesman for Michigan's Republican Gov.-elect Rick Snyder. "We do not need to add to that."

Watchdog groups question the practice. "Corporations are only giving the money for one purpose, and the purpose is access," said Bob Edgar, of Common Cause.

Last month, voters elected 26 new governors. Budget shortfalls are projected next year in 23 of those states, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Incoming Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, rejected $50,000 in state money and instead is raising up to $50,000 each from private donors for his inaugural and transition expenses. Deal has not disclosed the names of his contributors, but will do so after the inauguration, spokesman Harris Blackwood said.

Blackwood said donors would not get special preference. "The governor's office is not for sale," he said. "If businesses want to contribute, that's a decision they make. We are not selling favors."

Other governors planning inaugural parties include:

• Florida's Scott, who has collected nearly $2 million. The donations will help pay for two days of festivities, including a military appreciation event, a tribute to incoming first lady Ann Scott, a parade through Tallahassee and a ball.

Scott has set a $25,000 cap on donations and releases his list of donors weekly. Those donating the maximum include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, which insures about 4 million in the state.

Scott spokeswoman Erin Isaac said that all contributors, no matter what they give, "should expect a series of events aimed at celebrating the future of our great state."

Blue Cross spokesman John Herbkersman said company donated "in support for his plans to improve the well being of all Floridians."

•South Carolina Gov.-elect Nikki Haley is selling sponsorships for her inaugural events. "Platinum" sponsors who give $25,000 get eight reserved seats at the inaugural ceremony, two tickets for a lunch with the Republican governor and other top state officers, along with admission to the inaugural gala and eight private reception passes, according to a sponsorship form on her website.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said donors would be disclosed.

•In Colorado, Democrat John Hickenlooper is offering sponsorships of up to $25,000 for his inaugural events. Names of donors who gave more than $500 will be released by the Jan. 11 inauguration, Hickenlooper spokesman Ben Davis said.

Contributors won't get any favors, Davis said. "John does not operate that way and never has."

Some governors are scaling way back.

In New York, incoming Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is planning what his aide Josh Vlasto called an "austere" event that will include a small Jan. 1 inauguration ceremony at the state Capitol followed by a public receiving line at the executive mansion. No concerts or balls are planned. No budget has been released, but Vlasto said "it will be a fraction" of previous inaugurations.

"This is not a time for the grand and expensive celebrations of the recent past," Cuomo said in a statement.

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