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Murdoch backs old adversary Clinton Anne Davies / Sydney Morning Herald | December 1, 2007 RUPERT MURDOCH'S Fox News network might lean to the right and its commentators be harsh critics of the Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, but it seems its boss has paid to support her campaign - as have many News Corp executives. The Federal Election Commission's donor disclosures reveal that Rupert Murdoch and his son James, chief executive of BSkyB in Britain, have each personally contributed generously to Senator Clinton's presidential campaign as have several board members and senior executives. Unlike in Australia, companies are restricted from donating to political parties, so the bulk of cash comes either from individuals who are limited to a maximum of $US4600 ($5190) per candidate - $US2300 for the primaries and another $US2300 for the general election - or via political action committees, established by companies or non-profit organisations such as unions. These groups must be registered with the Federal Election Commission and are limited to donating $US5000 for each candidate. The latest tactic is "bundling"... A bundler asks employees, board members, wives, children and friends to donate to a particular candidate. It is illegal for a person to reimburse its employees but some make donations to a charity of the person's choice if the employee makes the political donation. The Centre for Responsive Politics, a non-profit group in Washington that researches the donor lists, says News Corporation is Senator Clinton's 20th largest supporter. Its executives and staff have contributed more than $US93,000 to her campaign so far. News Corp is not Senator Clinton's largest donor - that honour goes to the law firm DLA Piper, closely followed by Goldman Sachs - nor is it doing anything wrong. CLICK ON THE BANNER TO
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