Utility Officers Gave To Bush
Anthony J. Alexander, First Energy's president and chief operating officer was a "Pioneer" for Bush's last campaign, meaning he raised at least a $100,000. Alexander also contributed $100,000 to Bush's inaugural committee.
The Energy Department has dispatched teams of investigators to the MIdwest and Northeast. Democrats have questioned whether Bush's administration coddled electric companies because of his long personal ties to the energy industry. First Energy's ties could increase Capitol Hill scrutiny of The White House handling of the blackout aftermath.
Bush's campaign had no comment.
Records compile by the Center for Responsive Politics show that First Energy executives contributed about $50,000 to Bush's last campaign. Energy and natural resource interests gave more than $3.6 million, according to the group's figures.
When Bush was Texas Governor, employees of the now-collapsed Enron Corp., the energy-trading company, were his most generous career patrons.
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