'Hanoi Jane' Bankrolled Key 2004 Kerry Backer

Vietnam War hero, former Sen. Max Cleland - a key supporter of Sen. John Kerry who has criticized President Bush for his military record - accepted thousands of dollars in political contributions from "Hanoi Jane" Fonda, who most Vietnam veterans regard as a traitor for her activities during the war.

A search of Federal Election Commission records available at the "Political Money Line" Web site (www.tray.com) reveals that Fonda bankrolled Cleland's two Senate campaigns, donating $5,400 in 2002 and $2,000 in 1996. There's no indication that Cleland attempted to return the money.

The Georgia Democrat lost three limbs in Vietnam when he picked up an American grenade.

Sen. Kerry may also have benefited from Fonda's money indirectly, through her generous contributions to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Fonda and Kerry teamed up during the 1970s to stage at least two major anti-war demonstrations. [See photo]

Other Democrats who accepted direct contributions from "Hanoi Jane" Fonda include U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton [$5,000 for her 2000 race], Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle [$500 in 2003], Sen. Maria Cantwell [$2,000 for her 2006 re-election bid] and ex-Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia [$250 in 2002].

Cleland is scheduled to be a guest tonight on Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."

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