H'wood goes pol-vaulting

Clinton, Stevens, Kennedy receive most funds from biz

By WILLIAM TRIPLETT

Let the campaigning begin!

No, not the Oscars. That race is almost over.

The next big campaign is Election 2006. And who in D.C. is enjoying the entertainment biz's largesse this election year?

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan watchdog group, it's -- no surprise -- Hillary Clinton, who has taken in $213,645 so far from movie, TV and music industry sources.

Second place is closely contested by two Teds: Ted Stevens, Republican chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee ($100,500), and Ted Kennedy, of the Democratic family dynasty ($94,600).

Clinton has been a Hollywood favorite almost from the beginning of her Senate career, and Stevens is a natural beneficiary given that he presides over the committee that exerts enormous influence over television and radio. As for the other Ted, when was a Kennedy not popular in Hollywood?

At the corporate level, Time Warner has doled out the most cash so far: almost $612,000, 74% of which went to Democrats, the rest to Republicans. Viacom dropped $203,000 -- 48% to Dems, 52% to the GOP -- while Disney parted with $196,000: 44% to Dems and 56% to Republicans.

The individual contributor pack is led by Norman Lear, who's given Dems almost $75,000 for Campaign '06. Barbra Streisand has handed almost $40,000 to same. Ditto Rob Reiner to the tune of $24,000 and Haim Saban at $20,000, with almost half of that going to Clinton. Bob Iger has given a little over $15,000 to both Dems and Repubs.

Entertainment types have also been paying attention -- and money -- to a congressional district race: Lear, Streisand and musician Don Henley have aided the Democratic candidate challenging Rep. Tom DeLay, the fading star of the GOP.

Closer to Hollywood, Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election race is also attracting attention from the biz, with his Democratic challengers kicking up interest.

State controller Steve Westly was hosted last year at a well-attended meet-and-greet at former Paramount chair Sherry Lansing's home. Other industry supporters include Saban and producer Jeff Skoll.

Meanwhile, state treasurer Phil Angelides was recently feted by activist Laurie David and comedian husband Larry David.

The year is still young, and more money is sure to come.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117938854.html

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