MLive
Michigan gay rights push spurs out-of-state contributions, pushback from social conservatives
By Jonathan Oosting
on August 21, 2014
LANSING, MI The push to update Michigans anti-discrimination law with protections for gay residents has won bipartisan backing from wealthy out-of-state financiers but also prompted pushback from some social conservatives.
Paul Singer of New York and Tim Gill of Colorado have each given tens of thousands of dollars to campaign and leadership accounts of Republican state Rep. Frank Foster, who is expected to introduce the legislation, and House Speaker Jase Bolger, who would have to put the bill up for a vote.
Singer, a billionaire known for bankrolling Republicans, donated $50,000 to the Bolger Restore Michigan Fund on July 31 and $25,000 to Fosters Spotlight Michigan fund that same week, according to campaign finance reports. He also gave $1,000 to each of their campaign committees earlier in the month.
While Singer has backed numerous GOP efforts over the past decade, hes been at odds with the party over gay rights. His son is reportedly gay, and USA Today recently reported that a SUPER PAC he funds is planning to contribute $2 million this year to Republican Congressional candidates that support gay rights....
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