VCU employees donate mostly to Obama

Tim Thurber, an associate professor of history, had never donated to a political campaign before. For this year’s presidential race, he gave $200 to Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama.

“This is a critical election, a critical moment in American history,” Thurber said. “Barack is a fresh change on lots of levels.”

Thurber has a lot of company at VCU in underwriting Obama’s message of change.

University employees and a few students have contributed more than $61,000 to presidential candidates in the 2008 election. According to an analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission, about 84 percent of those donations have gone to Obama and 11 percent to Republican nominee Sen. John McCain.

Many of Obama’s financial supporters at VCU are first-time donors giving relatively small amounts of money, according to the FEC. Obama has received about 340 contributions from VCU employees. About 240 of them were for $100 or less.

FEC records show Catherine Ingrassia, an English professor and executive associate dean for the College of Humanities and Sciences, has made eight donations to Obama, totaling more than $900.

Ingrassia said the donations represent only part of her support for the Illinois senator. Ingrassia also said she has canvassed hundreds of homes in Hanover County distributing literature and bumper stickers for Obama.

“Money obviously is essential to a campaign, but I feel it’s important to contribute in multiple ways if you can,” Ingrassia said. “That means knocking on doors or putting a bumper sticker on your car. Money alone is not the only way to support a candidate.”

Ingrassia said she sees in Obama “the opportunity for change.” So does Mary Eisendrath, an administrator in the School of the Arts. She has donated more than $1,400 to Obama, according to FEC data.

“If elected, I think he will change the way politics take place in Washington and therefore make a difference globally,” Eisendrath said. “I think his integrity, value system, and unbelievable skill and intelligence make him the most outstanding candidate I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

Biochemistry professor Suzanne Barbour also praised Obama. She has given him seven donations totaling $1,150.

“I believe that Mr. Obama is the best person to lead our country at this juncture,” Barbour said. “I wanted to do my part to make that possible.”

Obama has received more than $51,400 from people associated with VCU, according to FEC data. McCain has received about $6,500.

During the primary elections, employees also contributed to Democrats Sen. Hillary Clinton ($3,000) and former Sen. John Edwards ($50) as well as to Republicans Rep. Ron Paul ($250) and former Gov. Mitt Romney ($200).

McCain’s donors say they support the Arizona senator because of his character and experience.

“It comes down to trust,” said Dr. Margie Jaworski, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Genetics at MCV. “I believe him when he says he puts country first. He knows how Washington works and how to get things done.”

Jaworski gave McCain four donations totaling $160. She said Obama is “a talented and eloquent politician,” but that he is not ready to be president.

According to the FEC, some employees have given to more than one candidate. Two donated first to Clinton, then to Obama. One donated first to Romney, then to McCain.

In August 2007, Kelly O’Keefe, director of executive education for the Brandcenter, donated $250 to Paul, the Texas congressman who ran on a “pro-peace, pro-liberty, pro-Constitution” platform. A year later, O’Keefe gave $2,300 to Obama.

“I contributed to Ron Paul’s campaign because of his strong opposition to the war and his libertarian philosophy,” O’Keefe said. “After Ron Paul’s nomination bid failed, I donated to Barack Obama’s campaign for similar reasons.”

Voters still have the chance to donate to the candidates, but time is running out-Election Day is Tuesday.

Campaign contributors from VCU

On its Web site, the Federal Election Commission lists people who make political donations, including their profession and employer. Here is a sampling of contributors affiliated with VCU.

VCU’s top four contributors to Sen. Barack Obama

Kendall Buster Associate professor, School of the Arts: $4,600

Larry Palmer Director of the VCU and William and Mary Health Policy and Law Initiative, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs: $4,300

Ann King Nurse, MCV Hospitals: $2,300

Robert Downs Professor of internal medicine, MCV: $2,300

VCU’s top four contributors to Sen. John McCain

Vincent Gregoria Graduate student: $2,300

Robin Fetherston Assistant professor, VCU’s Qatar campus: $1,375

John Goelz Graduate student: $766

James Maher Professor of surgery and director of VCU’s Minimally Invasive Surgery Center: $500

Source: www.fec.gov