Money and past bond Senator Norm Coleman, Kazeminy

[Doughboy71]

The Iranian-born entrepreneur, whose patronage of the senator is under scrutiny, is a self-made tycoon who denies wrongdoing.

By TONY KENNEDY and PAUL McENROE, Star Tribune staff writers

Last update: November 9, 2008 - 7:27 AM

It was unlikely that Nasser Kazeminy had ever laced up hockey skates when then-St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman turned to the Iranian-born businessman in 1996 while trying to bring NHL hockey back to Minnesota.

Kazeminy was obscure but rich -- a visionary entrepreneur in technology and finance. He was already acquainted with Coleman, an ambitious mayor eager to stamp his political signature across the state as someone who got things done.

Kazeminy listened to Coleman's pitch that day, but declined to invest in hockey. Still, their friendship flourished. That same year, Coleman switched from the DFL to the Republican Party. Soon, Kazeminy was investing in Coleman's political aspirations. Article continued here

This is the current scandal Coleman is fighting.