Iowa's Mallett has given $670,000 in campaign contributions since 2007
Last Modified: Monday, September 17, 2012 10:57 AM
By Andrew Perzo / American Press
Lee Mallett, an Iowa, La., businessman recently appointed to the LSU Board of Supervisors, has given more than $670,000 in campaign contributions, both individually and through his companies, since 2007 to various candidates and groups, most of them Republican, according to state and federal campaign finance records.
Just under half of that, or $320,100, went to state and national GOP committees and like-minded 527s — issue-oriented groups — between April 2011 and June 2012, the month before Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Mallett’s appointment.
That figure represents two dozen contributions, including $100,000 given, via five Mallett-owned companies, to the Republican Party of Louisiana on one day.
According to state records, Academy of Training Schools, Air Vac Inc., Best Buy Industries, Nature’s Best Inc. and Progressive Merchants collectively gave the state GOP $100,000 on Sept. 20, 2011, and then gave $10,000 on Nov. 7.
State law allows companies and individuals to give up to $100,000 to political action committees in a four-year period. The current cycle runs from Jan. 1, 2011, to Dec. 31, 2014.
The largest individual contributions from Mallett amounted to $30,800, the yearly maximum under federal law. Mallett gave that much to the Republican National Committee three times between summer 2011 and spring 2012 — first to the RNC itself in August, then to its Recount Fund in December and again to the RNC in March.
Mallet’s son, Brad, a sales representative for one of his father’s companies, also gave $30,800 to the RNC in August 2011. Earlier that month a profile of Lee Mallett was posted on lagop.com, the state party’s website.
Other contributions Mallett gave between April 2011 and June 2012, according to state and federal records and the Center for Responsive Politics:
• $25,000 to the state GOP on April 27, 2011.
• $25,000 to the Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority on June 3, 2011.
• $5,000 to the state GOP on June 15, 2011.
• $25,000 to the Republican Governors Association on Feb. 2, 2012.
• $10,000, through five companies, to Believe in Louisiana on March 6.
• $10,000 to the state GOP on April 16.
• $3,500 to South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on April 24.
• $14,200 on June 6 to Romney Victory Inc., a joint venture involving the RNC, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, and the GOPs in Idaho, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and Vermont.
Mallett, who also serves on the state’s contractor licensing board, said Thursday that his contributions had nothing to do with his LSU board appointment, which he said he never sought.
“Nobody offered me nothing” in exchange for contributions, he said. “It’s pure coincidence.”
Mallett, who sat four years on the Citizens Insurance board under former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, said Jindal’s office called him and offered him the post on the LSU board, which oversees university affiliates, the AgCenter and the LSU health system.
“Maybe people think I’m a good board member,” Mallett said. “It’s something we’re asked to do. Those boards are running the state.”
He noted that he’s served under a Democratic governor and has given money to many causes and candidates, regardless of their political leanings.
Among the Democrats he’s given to, according to campaign finance records: former state Sen. Willie Mount; Blanco; Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso; former state Attorneys General Charles Foti and Richard Ieyoub; former Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom; Calcasieu District Attorney John DeRosier; and U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu.
In fact, the largest individual contribution that Mallett gave before 2007 was $10,000 to the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee on Dec. 6, 2006.
“My objective is to assist where I can. It’s got nothing to do with party affiliation. I’m looking for the right man to do the job,” he said. “I help because they’re the best people for the job — period. I’m concerned about this country. If we don’t get involved, the consequences can be detrimental.”
Mallett, who graduated from Iowa High School and spent a semester at McNeese State University, said the governor chose him for the LSU board because of his 30-year record as a successful businessman — experience, he said, that has surpassed any training he could have received in college.
“I feel there’s no college that could have taught me what I learned,” he said.
Shannon Bates, a spokesman for the governor’s office, said Mallett’s contributions, which included $20,000 given to Jindal over the last five years, played no role in the governor’s decision.
“We appointed Lee because he is a successful businessman and a great leader who understands the importance of LSU to the people of Louisiana,” Bates wrote in an email.
Mallett for his part expressed frustration over the idea that the money he’s given to candidates and political groups has had anything to do with his service to the state.
“I give to local races, I give to state races, I give to federal races. I’m an American citizen, and I choose to exercise that right,” Mallett said. “I think people who insinuate are like children who gossip. It’s amazing how people can read things that aren’t there. Perception becomes reality.”
Online: www.ethics.state.la.us; www.fec.gov; www.opensecrets.org.
Breakdown of Mallett's contributions
The following information comes from the political donor databases maintained by Louisiana’s Ethics Administration and the Federal Election Commission, along with the Center for Responsive Politics’ listing of contributors to 527 groups:
State contributions
Academy of Training Schools
• Larry Lee Dupuis (Jeff Davis sheriff candidate), $2,500, July 1, 2011.
• Billy Nungesser (lieutenant governor bid), $2,500, July 14, 2011.
• Billy Nungesser, $2,500, Aug. 23, 2011.
• John Alario Jr. (La. Senate Dist. 8), $1,000, Sept. 9, 2011.
• Derek Babcock (La. Senate Dist. 13), $1,000, Sept. 13, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $10,000, Sept. 20, 2011.
• Tony Guillory (Calcasieu Police Jury), $500, Sept. 21, 2011.
• Jane Smith (La. Senate Dist. 37 bid), $1,000, Oct. 26, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $2,000, Nov. 7, 2011.
Air Vac Inc.
• John DeRosier (Calcasieu DA), $2,500, April 22, 2008.
• Bobby Jindal (governor), $5,000, Sept. 16, 2010.
• Dan Morrish (La. Senate Dist. 25), $1,000, Nov. 19, 2010.
• Chuck Kleckley (La. House Dist. 36), $2,500, Feb. 8, 2011.
• Jonathan Perry (La. Senate Dist. 26), $2,500, Feb. 18, 2011.
• Willie Mount (Calcasieu assessor bid), $1,250, Feb. 18, 2011.
• Michael Cassidy (Jeff Davis DA), $2,500, March 16, 2011.
• Ronnie Johns (La. Senate Dist. 27), $2,500, May 4, 2011.
• Terry Fowler (La. Senate Dist. 30 bid), $1,000, June 15, 2011.
• Billy Nungesser, $2,500, Aug. 23, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $25,000, Sept. 20, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $2,000, Nov. 7, 2011.
Best Buy Industries
• Billy Nungesser, $2,500, Aug. 23, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $25,000, Sept. 20, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $2,000, Nov. 7, 2011.
Caddy Shack Enterprises
• Bobby Jindal, $5,000, May 18, 2007.
• Mike Strain (ag commissioner), $2,500, Aug. 28, 2007.
• John DeRosier, $2,500, April 4, 2008.
• Republican Party of La., $5,000, May 22, 2008.
• Terry Johnson (14th JDC Division B bid), $1,000, Aug. 5, 2008.
• Clayton Davis (14th JDC Division B bid), $1,000, Aug. 12, 2008.
• Republican Party of La., $10,000, Sept. 8, 2008.
Mallett Inc.
• John DeRosier, $2,500, March 29, 2007.
• Charles Foti (La. AG re-election bid), $500, Oct. 9, 2007.
• Buddy Caldwell (La. AG), $2,500, Nov. 14, 2007.
Mallett Buildings
• Republican Party of La., $25,000, April 27, 2011.
Nature’s Best Inc.
• Tony Mancuso (Calcasieu sheriff), $1,000, March 5, 2010.
• Dan Morrish, $500, Nov. 19, 2010.
• Willie Mount, $1,250, Feb. 18, 2011.
• Bobby Jindal, $1,500, March 28, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $10,000, Sept. 20, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $2,000, Nov. 7, 2011.
Progressive Buildings
• Dan Morrish, $1,000, Nov. 19, 2010.
• Bobby Jindal, $2,000, March 28, 2011.
• Bobby Jindal, $1,500, April 18, 2011.
• Ronnie Johns, $2,500, May 4, 2011.
Progressive Merchants
• John DeRosier, $2,500, April 11, 2007.
• Republican Party of La., $10,000, May 23, 2007.
• Mike Strain, $2,500, Aug. 28, 2007.
• Republican Party of La., $25,000, Oct. 12, 2007.
• Republican Party of La., $25,000, Feb. 12, 2009.
• Bobby Jindal, $5,000, Dec. 2, 2009.
• Republican Party of La., $5,000, Dec. 16, 2009.
• Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority, $25,000, June 3, 2011.
• Billy Nungesser, $2,500, Aug. 23, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $30,000, Sept. 20, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $2,000, Nov. 7, 2011.
• Republican Party of La., $10,000, April 16, 2012.
Lee Mallett
• John Kennedy (La. treasurer), $2,500, Feb. 26, 2007.
• Mark Abraham (La. Senate Dist. 25), $2,500, March 5, 2007.
• Republican Party of La., $1,000, April 3, 2007 (also appears in FEC list).
• Richard Cole (former Calcasieu tax assessor), $2,500, April 19, 2007.
• Bob Odom (ag commissioner re-election bid), $2,500, May 17, 2007.
• Tony Mancuso, $1,000, March 19, 2008.
• Clayton Davis, $500, June 27, 2008.
• Clayton Davis, $1,000, Oct. 10, 2008.
• Tony Mancuso, $1,000, March 13, 2009.
• Clayton Davis, $1,000, March 25, 2009.
• Dan Morrish, $2,500, Nov. 1, 2010.
Federal contributions
• Republican Party of La., $1,000, April 3, 2007.
• Charles Boustany (La. 7th Congressional Dist.), $2,300, Sept. 4, 2007.
• Mary Landrieu (U.S. senator), $4,600, Sept. 24, 2007.
• John Kennedy (U.S. Senate bid), $2,300, Dec. 10, 2007.
• Donald Cazayoux (La. 6th Congressional Dist.), $4,600, Feb. 16, 2008.
• Donald Cazayoux, $6,900, April 5, 2008.
• Donald Cazayoux, $4,600, April 11, 2008.
• Kennedy Majority Committee, $28,500, April 18, 2008.
• National Republican Senatorial Committee, $28,500, April 29, 2008.
• Republican Party of La., $5,000, June 27, 2008.
• David Vitter (U.S. senator), $200, June 30, 2008.
• Paul Carmouche (La. 4th Congressional Dist. bid), $2,300, Oct. 14, 2008.
• Jeff Landry (La. 3rd Congressional Dist.), $2,400, May 25, 2010.
• Charlie Melancon (U.S. Senate bid), $1,000, June 8, 2010.
• Charles Boustany, $2,400, Aug. 24, 2010.
• Republican Party of La., $2,300, Sept. 9, 2010.
• Jeff Landry, $1,000, Oct. 28, 2010.
• Republican Party of La., $5,000, Dec. 2, 2010.
• Republican Party of La., $5,000, June 15, 2011.
• Michele Bachman (presidential bid), $2,500, July 11, 2011.
• Republican National Committee, $30,800, Aug. 18, 2011.
• Jeff Landry, $2,500, Sept. 27, 2011.
• Rick Perry (presidential bid), $2,500, Oct. 10, 2011.
• Charles Boustany, $2,500, Oct. 21, 2011.
• Sean Duffy (Wis. 7th Congressional Dist.), $2,500, Nov. 26, 2011.
• Newt Gingrich (presidential bid), $1,000, Nov. 29, 2011.
• Republican National Committee Recount Fund, $30,800, Dec. 14, 2011.
• Newt Gingrich, $1,000, Jan. 20, 2012.
• David Vitter, $1,000, March 2, 2012.
• Republican National Committee, $30,800, March 27, 2012.
• Bill Cassidy (La. 6th Congressional Dist.), $2,500, April 19, 2012.
• Romney Victory Inc., $14,200, June 6, 2012.
527 contributions
Lee Mallett
• American Solutions Winning the Future, $500, Jan. 30, 2009.
• American Solutions Winning the Future, $600, Dec. 4, 2009.
• Republican Governors Association, $25,000, Oct. 29, 2010.
• Republican Governors Association, $25,000, Feb. 2, 2012.
Mallett Inc.
• Republican Governors Association, $25,000, June 2, 2009.
Air Vac Inc.
• Believe in Louisiana, $1,000, March 6, 2012.
Academy of Training Schools
• Believe in Louisiana, $2,000, March 6, 2012.
• Believe in Louisiana, $4,000, March 6, 2012.
Nature’s Best Inc.
• Believe in Louisiana, $1,000, March 6, 2012.
Progressive Merchants
• Believe in Louisiana, $1,000, March 6, 2012.
Progressive Buildings
• Believe in Louisiana, $1,000, March 6, 2012.
Other contributions
Lee Mallett
• Nikki Haley (S.C. governor), $3,500, April 24, 2012.
Brad Mallett (Lee Mallett’s son)
• David Vitter, $3,100, June 30, 2008.
• Republican National Committee, $30,800, Aug. 29, 2011.
Notes: Brad Mallett, listed as a sales representative on Mallett Buildings’ website, doesn’t appear in FEC records before 2008, and the most Lee Mallett gave at one time before 2007 was a $10,000 contribution to the Louisiana State Democratic Central Committee.
Also, Romney Victory Inc. parceled its contribution out like so:
• Romney for President, $2,500, June 6, 2012.
• Idaho Republican Party, $2,300, July 31, 2012.
• Massachusetts Republican Party, $2,300, July 31, 2012.
• Oklahoma Leadership Council, $2,300, July 31, 2012.
• Vermont Republican Federal Elections Commission, $2,300, July 31, 2012.
Posted By: dale j broussard On: 10/9/2012
Title: Lee Mallett's Integrity
I known MR. MALLETT for a number of years. I have had some business dealing with him. I have also gotten to be personal friends with him. Mr. Mallett has always been up front and straight in our business dealing and on personal basis is has always been a true, loyal friend, willing do anything possible and legal to assistance. He really cares about the Cadets of his Academy. I refuse state, federal or local fund to run The Academy of Training Skills. MR. SHAW you are just barking up the wrong tree. The state will not and has not pay Mallett anything. The whole concept of the Acadeny is to retrain the CADETS in a manner to enable them to pursuit gainful employment after their the complete of the training program. NO local, state, or federal funds involved. Mr. Mallett has dealt in an honest, business like manner on every deal I have witness. Shame on the ones who are attempting to put a negative spin on Mr. Mallett.
Posted By: Grateful On: 9/21/2012
Title: A joke of a thought
For anyone to say that a position isn't deserved because you didn't go to a college is small minded ignorant fool. Instead of doing what you, who is accusing, and stand around, and expect everything to happen, Lee Mallett worked to build a life for himself. You are jealous of the financial comfort that Mallett had because you are too incompetent to do the same for yourself. And as far as the Academy stands, if you are against the idea, than. You are for allowing society to pat for their wrong. What Mr. Lee has done is give troubles persons an opportunity to be able to make their lives worth something. I attended that Academy, as well as worked for Mr. Mallett. I am at this point a contributing member of society, and appreciative that a person had created a place to where I was treated like a worth-while person, and not just an inmate. For you people to be as degrading as you are is just a portrait to the ignorance which is blinding America. Thank you governor for being open and allowing a well deserving person to serve on the board.
Posted By: Sheila On: 9/21/2012
Title: College Education
You know from what I read in this article and some of the responses is that if you do not have a college degree you are not qualified for anything. I do believe that is an insult to all hard working people who have made something of their selves. How dare they. Mr. Mallett had to work hard for what he has and was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth like some people. Who better to help than someone who values and understands business and what it takes to get things accomplished than someone who has had to do it, rather than someone who has been handed things. Who better than someone who built such numerous successful businesses. Who better to help with education and costs of higher education than someone who has had to work hard. Give me someone with 30 years experience over someone just becuase they sat in a class for four years or more.
Posted By: Jill On: 9/21/2012
Title: People who know nothing about the program shouldnt talk about it
Well who really cares what Mr. Mallet does and as far as the Acadeny of Traning School, I belive it was the best thing he has done this far. My son attened that program and it changed him. He recieved a job, learned how to be respectfull of others. Who cares how much money he makes. We the tax payers pay to have them incarcerated at Phelps. Why should we house some non violet affender that we as a community to help change his life. My hats off to Mr Mallett for caring about our young men. And obivioulsy Mr. Shaw has no clue as to what he is talking about. The ACADEMY of training schools has never received any state or federal money, the program is strictly funded by the residents who broke the law and are at the Academy and working to pay their way. There is no tax payer funds used, maybe he should check out how Cinc is operated and gets their funding. Mr Mallett does not accept funding he expsect the guys that broke the law to pay there own way So to you Mr Mallett I know you can not help all the guys at your facility but If you help out 1 young guy out of of 100 that is more than what the prison system is doing.
Posted By: A former employee of Mr. Mallett's On: 9/20/2012
Title:
I can tell you that Mr. Mallett is one of the most honest, and hard working men you will ever come across in your life! If you don't know him, then you really have no business questioning his character! He said it right that insinuating there was any sort of ill gotten gain from his contributions is comparable to gossiping children! I'll say it like this... You're all like a bunch of teenage girls! Remember this... "loose lips sink big ships"! Really people... What makes you think you have the right to question anothers character? Clearly, all of his contributions are in plain sight for all to see. Maybe you're all just a little (or lot) jealous that you don't have the wealth he has to make your own contributions! None of you would balk at all if those contributions were made to another type of organization like starving kids in some other country! I can attest that he would have been appointed to the very same board if he had not contributed any money at all to politics. He is a self-made man, and that scares y'all! You could actually learn something from him if you got to know him! Now, go back to whatever you were doing before you let something you can't do a thing about bother you... Like looking up the next big get rich quick scheme, perhaps! Bunch of losers!! Kudo's to you Mr. Mallett! I admire your tenacity!
Posted By: Jay On: 9/17/2012
Title:
Obviously Matt does not understand the complexity of the appointment, this board also runs the LSU heath system under a mandated cut. Mr Mallett with his business knowledge and experience is the right man for the job. He has a 30 year degree!! One would think that running a successful business for 30 years is more than enough experience.
Posted By: Shaw On: 9/17/2012
Title: So Phelps closes and the state can pay back Mallett
It should be investigated how much money Mallett will make from housing the prisoners which would have been sent to his American Training School. The inmates and the state pay Mallett double for this.
Posted By: claude On: 9/16/2012
Title: Success
Sounds like a successful man doing what the government allows and expects of its citizens.
Posted By: Matt On: 9/16/2012
Title: He doesn't even have a college degree
Why is someone without a college degree even considered for this position? As is clear here, this is nothing but a political appointment - but they could at least put someone in the office that has a little experience in higher education!
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