Kaine's PAC Still Gets Big Donations

Governor Active, Though He Can't Seek Reelection

RICHMOND, Oct. 6 -- A significant portion of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's political financing is coming from a small number of wealthy donors who continue to make contributions, even though he cannot seek a second consecutive term, according to a review of campaign finance reports.

Since he took office in 2006, Kaine has raised about $6.5 million for his political action committee, Moving Virginia Forward. Of that money, nearly half of it came from about 75 people or corporations that have given at least $20,000 each.

One man, billionaire Randal J. Kirk, accounts for nearly one-tenth of the money Kaine has raised since 2006. Kirk has given the PAC $650,000, including a $100,000 check last month.

"It's a good societal investment, and it is not a large amount for me, so I invest it in a place that can be good for society," said Kirk, an investment and pharmaceutical mogul in Radford, Va.

The large donations demonstrate how Kaine is making use of Virginia's campaign finance laws to keep his PAC operational so he can travel and give contributions to Democratic candidates.

But advocates of campaign finance restrictions say it's alarming that so few people play such a large part in Kaine's fundraising.

"If that person ever had a big favor to ask the governor, it would be very hard for the governor to not look at the request differently," said Nick Nyhart, president of Public Campaign, which advocates campaign finance reform.

Kaine's big donors, however, appear drawn to his personality and policies. Most do not have any business before the state, and there are no indications that they receive special treatment for their contributions. Kaine has appointed or reappointed several, including Kirk, to state boards.

"We are not a quid pro quo or a favor-for-a-favor shop," said Charlie Kelly, executive director of Moving Virginia Forward. "That is just not how it works here."

Virginia is one of five states with no limit on how much an individual or a corporation can contribute to a candidate or state political committee, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

In Maryland, which has some of the nation's toughest restrictions, a candidate cannot accept more than $4,000 over four years from an individual.

Four individuals and the Service Employees International Union have given Kaine's PAC at least $100,000 each since it was formed in 2006. Sheila Johnson, a real estate developer and a founder of Black Entertainment Television, has given Kaine $185,000.