NewsMax Wires
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002

In a concerted effort to have Enron's message resonate with the energy and telecom policy of the Gore campaign, donations were made, parties and dinners given, and a PR action plan drafted.

Former Enron officials interviewed by the New York Times described a significant increase in the company's donations to Democrats as the initial ploy to gain the inner sanctum of the Gore campaign.

Enron documents obtained by the Times show that in 1999 and 2000 Enron gave $426,500 in soft money donations to Republicans and $362,000 to Democrats, while in 1997 and 1998, Enron's donations went 67 percent to the Republicans with Democrats getting 33 percent.

Part of the Enron PR campaign called for writing draft position papers for the Gore staff on energy issues vital to Enron and to craft an active and visible role at the Democratic National Convention.

Some of those issues: electricity deregulation, e-commerce, energy services, broadband, a market-based approach to global warming and backing the Kyoto Protocol.

Although the extent to which the master PR plan was followed is uncertain, the plan apparently included Enron’s active participation in campaign activities in a key swing state and potential later participation in Gore inaugural planning.

According to the Times, the plan also zeroed in on key people in the Gore orbit, including Peter Knight, a Gore confidant; Charles Burson, the vice-president’s chief of staff in the White House; Jim Kohlenberger and Elaine Kamarck, top policy advisers; and Carter Eskew and Michael Whouley, senior strategists.

Gore officials surveyed by the Times said they were happy to meet with Enron executives, considering the company's importance and size.

Documents and interviews revealed no improper actions, concluded the Times.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

Al Gore

Bush Administration

Enron

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