Olbermann Sidelined from MSNBC for Making Political Contributions

Nov. 5, 2010— -- MSNBC has suspended anchor Keith Olbermann, after it was revealed the "Countdown" host made political contributions to three Democratic candidates.

Politico reported Friday that Olbermann contributed to the candidates in the run-up to Tuesday's midterm elections, making a donation to Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva on the same day he appeared on the cable news show.

In a statement, MSNBC said its ethics policy bans journalists from making political contributions. Olbermann, perhaps the cable network's most famous face, is known as an outspoken liberal commenter. As one of the network's highest-paid personalities, he is central to the network's "Lean Forward" campaign, a rebranding effort promoting progressive points of view. Thomas Roberts anchored "Countdown" on Friday night.

"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," MSNBC President Phil Griffin, said in a statement. "Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

Olbermann admitted to making contributions to Grijalva, as well as Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D- Ariz., and Jack Conway, the Democratic candidate who lost to Tea Party favorite Rand Paul in the Kentucky Senate race.

Olbermann told Politico he made the maximum contribution of $2,400 to each candidate.

"One week ago, on the night of Thursday, October 28 2010, after a discussion with a friend about the state of politics in Arizona, I donated $2,400 each to the reelection campaigns of Democratic Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords," Olbermann told Politico. "I also donated the same amount to the campaign of Democratic Senatorial candidate Jack Conway in Kentucky."

"I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns, nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level," Olbermann said.