Out of Spotlight, Giuliani Embraces Convicted Moneyman
EmailA Pennsylvania man convicted in a notorious corruption case played host to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani at a fundraiser last night, despite the Giuliani campaign’s public efforts to distance itself from the man. Bob Asher, a major Pennsylvania Republican player as a national party committeeman, was one of four hosts for the $2,300-a-person event. Asher was convicted in 1986 on charges stemming from a bribery scheme intended to win a $300,000 state government contract. The case gained national attention when his co-defendant in the case, Pennsylvania state treasurer R. Budd Dwyer, committed suicide at a televised news conference. Asher was sentenced to serve one year in prison. At that time, Giuliani was a federal prosecutor in New York, building a reputation by locking up criminals for similar corruption-related misdeeds. THE BLOTTER RECOMMENDS Photos Giuliani and the Priest Blotter Giuliani Defends, Employs Priest Accused of Molesting Teens Good Morning America Video Giuliani Defends Accused Priest Photos Trouble on the Campaign Trail Click Here for Full Blotter Coverage Giuliani came and went from last night’s fundraiser without comment, ducking down in his car as ABC News cameras attempted to photograph him arriving. Asher made himself more available than the candidate. "That’s 21 years ago, so we’ll let that go. I did what I did, and I’ve paid my dues for it," Asher told ABC News outside the event last night. The event was closed to the press. "I’ve worked for [former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom] Ridge, [Sen. Arlen] Specter [R-Penn.] and all of the rest of the Republicans," Asher noted. Asher was also the Pennsylvania state finance chair for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign in 2004. He is chair of one of the largest political fundraising groups in the state, the Pennsylvania Future Fund Political Action Committee. Video: Convicted Moneyman and Rudy Giuliani Carpool to the Fundraiser Video: Hear What Moneyman Asher Has to Say About His Record Asher announced earlier this year he had agreed to be Giuliani’s Pennsylvania political chairman, according to the New York Times, although the Giuliani campaign disputed that. When asked about his role in the campaign last night, Asher said, "There’s been no one named in Pennsylvania to any post here at all." Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for the Giuliani campaign, said that Asher has assisted with fundraising efforts in the state, including several fundraisers yesterday, but does not hold an official title. She would not disclose how much Asher had raised. The intimate dinner, attended by local GOP officials, was held at the home of Valerie and Alvin Clemens in Philadelphia’s exclusive western suburbs. Asher, whose name was listed first among co-hosts on invitations for the event, tried to downplay his role in the affair. "I’m just one of the people here," he told ABC News. Asher is one of the heirs to popular Asher’s Chocolates and now serves as co-chairman of the company. After he left prison, Asher became the Pennsylvania committeeman for the Republican National Committee, a position he holds today. See the evite to the Giuliani fundraiser hosted by Bob Asher. Justin Rood contributed to this report. Do you have a tip for Brian Ross and the Investigative Team?
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
More proof Rudy surrounds himself with people of questionable character. Pedophiles,criminals,Neocons etc.
Posted by: AJ | November 27, 2007, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
prison…republican supporter…same guy, different day. Birds of a feather flock and vote together.
Posted by: daddy | November 27, 2007, 1:15 pm 1:15 pm
What’s next for Rudy? Maybe Tony Saprano as his Attorney General? He couldn’t be any worse then Gonzales.
Posted by: AJ | November 27, 2007, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
Rudy Guliani was too busy before 9-11 hiding the interests of Bernie Kerik who is now under federal indictment.He knew about his mafia connections and kickbacks.
He got kickbacks from the company that made defective radios that firemen had to use.
He was seeing another women while married.
No wonder he did not protect Americans before 9-11.
And murder rates went up by over 3000 in 2001 alone while Guliani was the mayor of new york.
Posted by: Lisa | November 27, 2007, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
So this is the kind of people we can expect Giuliani to surround himself with. This guy and a peodophile priest is enough for me. I’m voting for Ron Paul, at least he’s not openly trying to be bought. If Giuliani gets elected, I’m sure we can expect to see a lot worse.
Posted by: VeteranD | November 27, 2007, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
republicans are rotten from the top down, the inside out. it is what they do best. they are traitors, the whole lot of them
Posted by: steven | November 27, 2007, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
That’s our scum Guiliani. He dosen’t have
a chance.
Posted by: Gail | November 27, 2007, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
So now lets count the number of criminals associated with the Clinton clan.
Posted by: Patriot2007 | November 27, 2007, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
And what of the Clinton’s crime circle????
ABC news is oddly silent….
Posted by: Josh | November 27, 2007, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if Guiliani has mob connection. I guess that was why some of the mob bosses opposed to his assination when that subject was discussed among the mob members.
Posted by: tom | November 27, 2007, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
So, tell me, if someone is convicted of a crime, are they forever banned from politics? That does not sound right to me. After 20 years, what is the big scandal, anyway? I say let people start over after they have done their time. With 2 million people in our prisons, we don’t want to bar each and every one of them from politics forever.
Posted by: womanwarrior | November 27, 2007, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
Guiliani says one thing today and changes his mind tomorrow….. he is a great flip flopper ….. he does not have enough character to be Vice President yet alone President. Don’t worry he will not be President! Neither will the other guy, what’s his name – oh yeah, Mitt.
Posted by: sue from texas | November 27, 2007, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Surprisingly incriminating stuff, considering presidential candidates vie for their absolute best behavior during the campaign process. If this is the finest we can expect of Rudy as he shrewdly courts the American voters, imagine what this wise guy will be up to once the cameras are off and he’s snuggled comfortably into the Oval office? Is it too much to ask that our political aspirants avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing? Another vote for Ron Paul…
Posted by: h5mind | November 27, 2007, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
This is the best the Republicans can do?
Posted by: WHH | November 27, 2007, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
Seems Rudy is almost as shady as Clinton. Trouble is, one of them will get elected.
Posted by: Royce | November 28, 2007, 12:16 am 12:16 am
I think it’s funny that Republicans complain about the Clintons being crooks and this guy leads in national polls. No-one can complain about either camp if they would even remotely support the foe.
Any of you people who would vote for Rudy or Hillary must have your heads on backwards. I personally will write-in Mickey Mouse before I will compromise myself and vote for the lesser of two evils ever again.
Posted by: dk | November 28, 2007, 2:35 am 2:35 am
Another slimy Republican? SHOCKING!
Posted by: wilder5121 | November 28, 2007, 3:27 am 3:27 am
A presidential candidate ducking down when cameras are rolling? Now that’s a new one on me. A Homer moment….DOH!!!
Posted by: mustkilltreemake2x4 | November 28, 2007, 3:54 am 3:54 am
I am not aware of the Clinton’s being involved with the mob or other criminals but Giuliani put a lot of them in prison at one time but it is not a crime to know someone but not associate with them personally. All these comments about Clinton and Giuliani are in the past and we have to live in the future. Either vote for the party of your choice or don’t vote. Clinton was a good president that’s why he won twice and he would have won again if the laws didn’t change. We had a good economy with him and now look. That’s the republican’s for you. Depression.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | November 28, 2007, 7:40 am 7:40 am
Bob Asher is one of the finest people I have ever met. His work on behalf of the needy and less fortunate is done outside the glare of publicity and never for personal gain. I don’t support Mr Guiliani but the fact Mr Asher does would make me think again about doing so. I’ve never seen you guys do a similar piece on all the criminals supporting Hillary. Why is that ?
Posted by: Glenn | November 28, 2007, 8:12 am 8:12 am
Leopards don’t usually change their spots. Guiliani seems like a very shady person who can’t be trusted. Between his professional dealings and private dalliances, I hope the American people don’t want this kind of leader!
Posted by: MPL | November 28, 2007, 9:19 am 9:19 am
The man’s just helping him raise money. He’s not holding up banks. And Guiliani’s not asking the man to be secretary of state for cripe sake! It’s been 20 years since Asher’s legal problems. He did his time. Do all of you wish to have your past errors for which you’ve made atonement raised at every juncture? Just for once try to get some perspective before spweing mindless venom.
Posted by: Suzy | November 28, 2007, 10:09 am 10:09 am
More sensational headlines from ABC News. I have noticed that ABC News produces negative headlines against Republicans, and postitive sounding headlines for Democrats. ABC News – clean up your act, your lack of fairness is showing that you have an ugly and unrespectable method of journalism.
Posted by: jupiterviews | November 28, 2007, 10:28 am 10:28 am
Hah, Funny that Giuliani would gladly embrace a guy that is a convicted briber. But then apparently he said hes worked with the rest of the PA republican party so i guess if everyone’s doing it, then Rudi may as well too.
Is this guy’s real name Norman Hsu? where are all the clinton bashers to say the same thing about their top GOP candidate now?
Posted by: GOPportunists | November 28, 2007, 11:40 am 11:40 am
What the above writer said about ABC News (as well as NBC and CBS) is so true!! I really do wish they would clean up their act.
Posted by: HM | November 28, 2007, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
All you people complaining about “the media” being unfair to Republicans are LAUGHABLE. Fact is, your Republican Party is FULL of thieves and liars…that’s why nary a day goes by without another one caught in some sleazy situation. It’s unbelievable how corrupt the GOP has become. It’s not “the media’s” fault…it’s YOUR PARTY’S FAULT. But as Republicans, you’re genetically incapable of ever accepting responsibility…for ANYTHING. Just like the sleaze you put into office. Try looking in the mirror.
Posted by: wilder5121 | November 28, 2007, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
Not even close to a valid comparison, GOPportunists. Norman Hsu was convicted of fraud for a pyramid scheme in the early 90′s. Instead of waiting for his sentencing and doing his time, he ran off to Hong Kong, spent money until he was bankrupt, and then came back to the US, where he lived quite well and apparently “creatively” fund-raised until arrested again. Even after that, once he made bail, he bolted but was rearrested fairly quickly this time.
On the other hand, about 20 years ago, Asher went to court, took his punishment, paid his dues, and its done.
I agree that ABC has been openly leaning toward the democrats for actually quite a long time now. At least with Fox and CNN you know where their biases are. Unfortunately,viewers of the three “major” networks either foolishly, or blindly, believe they are receiving balanced and unbiased reporting when in fact these three generally demonstrate their biases on a regular basis. Too bad people don’t understand that just because they’ve heard it on tv or seen it in print doesn’t mean its fairly and/or accurately presented. You have to take the affirmative action to expose yourself to multiple news sources in order to get a better view of just about any story not involving rescuing puppies from storm sewers.
Posted by: Suzy | November 28, 2007, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
Asher went to court and took his medicine? He went to TRIAL. Got convicted of bribery, perjury, conspiracy, and racketeering! He appealed his convictions for years and never admitted he did anything wrong (until Monday night, that is). We’re not talking about drunk driving, a drug conviction from years ago, or even a business fraud. We’re talking about political corruption at the highest levels of state government at the very time Rudy was making a name for himself locking up criminals doing exactly the same things as Asher was doing. This is a blackeye for the Republican Party, Rudy and Pennsylvania. Rudy may be the GOP’s best hope, but covorting with Asher hurts him and will be used against him.
Posted by: Rick | November 29, 2007, 4:59 am 4:59 am
All of you are complete morons. Do you think any candidate that is in the running is honest and do not surround themselves around criminals. Look at the Clinton’s they were the biggest crooks of them all. Rudy might have questionable associates but the Clinton’s themselves are criminals. Clinton ties to China and giving them Access to classified Nuclear technology.
Posted by: Matt | November 30, 2007, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
If it was just this one crook it wouldn’t be so noteworthy. The fact is Giuliani’s made lots of money on the backs of criminals and now it’s coming back to haunt him. That’s good for starters, but wait! He marries his cousin, divorces her, marries his second wife, cheats on her with the golddigging Judith Nathan, doesn’t have the guts to tell his second wife face to face he’s divorcing her and instead announces it in a televised press conference. Now he’s been outed for having the NYC taxpayers pay for his trust expenses. Oh but wait! His own children do not speak to him, his daughter has announced publicly she supports Obama.
Heard enough? That’s all I need to know about the character of Giuliani, and I didn’t even mention Bernard Kerik who Giuliani thought would be the perfect guy to head Homeland Security. Sheesh!
Posted by: Bon | November 30, 2007, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
I’m not much of a Clinton fan myself, however, I have noticed that whenever a Republican gets caught with their pants down, the knee-jerk Republican response is to say “so, well Clinton …. this…and…Clinton…that”
Can’t you people come up with something better than that? Ken Starr, at the behest of the Republican congress, spent $7 million of the taxpayer’s money and several years on his Clinton witch hunt trying to hang something, anything, illegal on the Clinton’s. After all that time, money and effort he couldn’t come up with one thing with any legs that would stick.
Posted by: nutty4tahoe | November 30, 2007, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm
Who wrote this article? The campaign manager for one of the other Presidential candidates??
This article seems to be rather sensational for the facts involved, particularly if you are involved in local Southeast PA politics. If you actually read the whole evite host committee, it appears to be composed of Bob Asher and many of the Republican chairs of the Southeast. The real significance of the event may be that many of the official party leaders of Southeast Pennsylvania Counties are favorably disposed to Guiliani, which gives him a solid starting point in winning Pennsylvania’s primary.
This is not a real suprise that in Southeast Pennsylvania, Guiliani finds support among Republican leaders. You just have to look at the polls which favor Guiliani. Many around here see Guiliani as a hero for his activities associated with 9/11 and for cleaning up New York and making it pleasurable and safe for ordinary citizens to enjoy a weekend there (which is just a short train ride away).
The visual in this article just focuses on Bob Asher’s name while clearly the evite is a collection of prominent Republican leaders throughout the Southeast Counties. The article focuses on Asher, but the analysis is superficial and does not note the obvious import for those active in local Republican politics: Giuliani’s candidacy is getting strong consideration by the local GOP.
Posted by: Ed | December 2, 2007, 9:49 am 9:49 am
Rudy Giuliani is a walking political scandal. If he were a Democrat, Fox News would be all over him all the time (instead of deciding which side of his behind to kiss and for how long).
This is the tip of the iceburg. Both parties have dirt. But in this guy’s case, it’s not just the Democrats picking on him – he REALLY REALLY has some serious ethical problems, the dimensions of which we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of.
Posted by: Robert | December 4, 2007, 4:40 am 4:40 am