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Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers is among many wealthy business owners such as Elon Musk who are seemingly liberal but donate large amounts of money to the Republican Party.
Allen's latest donation was in the form of $100,000 given at a political fundraiser with the intention of keeping Republican control of Congress. With a reported worth of 20 billion, Allen has donated more that $216,000 into the political cycle this year, Nearly 80 percent of that total has gone to Republicans.
In the past Allen has given more to the Democratic party and the move has people wondering what the motivation is behind the switch. Many speculate getting the giant tax break from the Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump tax plan may play a factor.
Billionaire Seahawks owner and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has donated $100,000 to a group aiming to keep Repub… https://t.co/ZXXN9lVYhX— The Seattle Times (@The Seattle Times)1535895900.0
Seahawks owner Paul Allen gives $100,000 to help Republicans keep control of U.S. House (via @Jim_Brunner) The Ju… https://t.co/x1mwQ1luXN— The Seattle Times (@The Seattle Times)1535904780.0
Overall in the 2017-18 election cycle, Allen has donated $173,500 to Republican congressional candidates and PACs c… https://t.co/jU3bXUgn5o— The Seattle Times (@The Seattle Times)1535919481.0
The move left many bewildered and disappointed.
The tax bill continues to do the job it was intended for. https://t.co/iB1UwAmnp5— Adam Smith (@Adam Smith)1535919882.0
This is the same Paul Allen that literally bought gun control for WA state by donating over $1 million in May. Bill… https://t.co/IEtbOueTz1— Dae Shik Kim Hawkins Jr. (@Dae Shik Kim Hawkins Jr.)1535908336.0
@asmith83 Not to mention the horrible decision of Citizens United. 🙄👎🏼— Tan’-nish (@Tan’-nish)1535976932.0
Although some weren't surprised at all.
@seattletimes @Jim_Brunner Then there is this, courtesy of Gregg Easterbrook in the Atlantic.… https://t.co/8dHwuNYIPe— Sean O'Leary (@Sean O'Leary)1535913300.0
@seattletimes @Jim_Brunner Why don't these rich guys just go and BUY a 3rd World Country rather than turning the USA into one?— Hocus POTUS (@Hocus POTUS)1535977913.0
@seattletimes @Jim_Brunner They’re just showing their love for that big tax break.— Pamela Stovall (@Pamela Stovall)1535927495.0
@seattletimes @bhsnitzer @Jim_Brunner How much did he benefit from those tax cuts?— CDNResistance (@CDNResistance)1535948401.0
Many billionaires and corporations give to both parties as a way of staying in favor regardless of who is in power. Perhaps the answer lies in getting the money out of politics, so the common voice can be heard about the voices of the uber-wealthy.
H/T: Seattle Times, Huffington Post