Oracle money went to many politicians
sfgate.com | at | by Mike
As Oracle Corp. seeks to boost government contracts, the software company has carefully channeled its major campaign contributions to a select few California politicians wielding the most power over its livelihood. Just about every elected official who has received a major contribution from Oracle has some measure of control over Oracle government business, or held influence over the $95 million software contract that has embarrassed the company and Gov. Gray Davis.
Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who has received $50,000 from the company, is one of a handful of state attorneys general still pursuing Oracle's competitor, Microsoft, on antitrust charges. Because of the contributions from Oracle, Lockyer now faces questions from Republicans about whether he can fairly investigate the current contracting scandal.
Some lawmakers investigating the contract have wondered whether the senator was helping his son, Oracle salesman Richard Polanco Jr. in Los Angeles, or his friend and political protege Cortez.