Bank of America vows to ‘help out’ Perry

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_08/bank_of_america_vows_to_help_o031679.php#

August 20, 2011 8:00 AM
By Steve Benen

James Mahoney, Director of Public Policy for Bank of America, appears to have a certain fondness for Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry. In this clip, we see Mahoney introduce himself to the Texas governor at a New Hampshire campaign stop, telling Perry, “Bank of America. We’ll help you out.”

[...] [See link for video]

In a statement, a Bank of America spokesperson said the comment was not political, and the offer to help Perry out referred to “policy issues.”

And if you believe that, I have some bundled sub-prime mortgages I’d like to sell you.

Marie Diamond added some helpful context regarding the bank and the GOP candidate:

Over the years Gov. Perry has benefited greatly from Bank of America’s financial support, and it appears that largesse will continue as he seeks the presidency on a platform of — coincidentally enough — bank deregulation. His gubernatorial campaigns have received $125,900 from Bank of America’s PAC and executives since 2003. During the 2010 cycle alone, Perry’s campaign received $30,160 from the bank’s PAC and executives. According to Texans for Public Justice, Bank of America has also given generously Republican Governors Association, which Perry led until recently and just happens to be his largest donor, contributing $4 million between 2001 and 2010.

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