Target Corp. defends 150K Minn. political donation to GOP candidate that opposes gay marriage

[Liberal_in_LA]

Target Corp. defends Minn. political donation
ShareThisPrint E-mail By MARTIGA LOHN


The Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Target Corp. on Tuesday defended the use of its new freedom to spend money on political campaigns as employees and gay organizations criticized a $150,000 donation that will help a Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate who opposes gay marriage.


Chief Executive Officer Gregg Steinhafel assured employees at the company's Minneapolis headquarters in an e-mail that the discount retailer's support of the gay community is "unwavering." He said employees, some gay, raised concerns that the money is helping state Rep. Tom Emmer, a fiery conservative who is his party's likely nominee for governor.

Target's headache illustrates the potential risks for businesses that seek to take advantage of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that threw out parts of a 63-year-old law that prohibited campaign donations from company funds. The ruling changed regulations in about half the states, but the Target donation in Minnesota is among the first major new corporate moves to come to light.

Target's money went to MN Forward, a group staffed by former insiders from outgoing Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration. MN Forward is running TV ads supporting Emmer. Steinhafel's e-mail said Target's political donations are intended to support business objectives such as job creation and economic growth.

http://www.ajc.com/business/target-corp-defends-minn-579202.html

[Tempest]

1. They can defend it all they want

It won't get me to shop in their stores anymore.

It's Costco for me.

[Blue Owl]

2. Way to put money where your mouth isn't

We all know money talks, and bullshit walks, Target.

[joeybee12]

3. Time to remind them that playing both sides is a losing strategy...yopu want to lie down with bigots

fine, i'll go elsewhere.

[sui generis]

4. not a problem. We're defending our freedom to spend elsewhere.

With "support" like that, who needs enemies.

[crim son]

5. I feel badly for anybody who works for them who must stay on

because they have no alternative.

[RKP5637]

6. Too many places to shop, none needs to be dependent on Target. n/t

[williesgirl]

7. Target saw my last purchase just before this was announced. May they RIP. Fuckers. rec'd

[RKP5637]

8. Email address to reach Target Corp. and complain.

http://www.target.com/gp/help/display-contact-us-form.html?displayLink=tci