The vote to appropriate $230 million of taxpayer money to MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber for the acquisition of a portion of Headwaters was extremely close in the California Assembly.  It was so close, in fact, that the Capitol clock had to be literally unplugged at midnight on August 31 when the assembly would normally end the session for the year.  In the precious minutes that followed Pacific Lumber lobbyists would twist arms and cut deals to gain the necessary 2/3 majority votes for the huge appropriation. Headwaters activists have just now discovered the results of  that arm twisting.  According to Capitol Weekly, a total of $254,431 was given to 88 candidates in campaign contributions.

Of the officeholders running for re-election, Pacific Lumber contributed to nearly 3/4 of them.  "MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber was carpet bombing the Capitol with contributions in order to secure the $230 million share of state money for Headwaters," said Bob Martel of the Humboldt Watershed Council.  "These politicians had to know MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber campaign money was coming right out of failed savings and loans and pilfered pension funds.  Their taking campaign contributions from MAXXAM was virtually the same as receiving stolen money"

The highest contribution earners include Assembly Candidates Bill Leonard $27,000; Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa-(D)-$21,000; Robert Hertzberg(D)--$5600; Jim Morrissey(R)--4,000; Curt Pringle(R)--$3000; Brent Granlund(R)-- $2500; Rico Otler(R)--$2500; Sam Crump(R)--$2500; Marilyn Brewer--$2,250; and Carol Migden(D)--$2000.    Top contributions to Senatorial candidates included Senators Ross Johnson(R)--$32,750; Ray Haynes(R)--$5000; Rob Hurtt(R)-$3500; Maurice Johannessen(R)--$2750; and Tim Leslie (R)--$2000.  Northcoast Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin (D) accepted  $500.  Then-presiding Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidate Dan Lungren, who's office chose not to prosecute Pacific Lumber for killing Earth First! activist David Chain, received $39,381.  Some of the honorable few not on the list include Sen. Tom Hayden, Sen. Byron Sher and Aseemblyman Ted Lempert.

"The nearly ninety politicians who took money from MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber should receive the 'Golden Stump' award," said Headwaters activist Darryl Cherney.  "While we were knocking on doors with our hearts in our hands, Pacific Lumber lobbyists were knocking on doors with thousand dollar bills in their hands.   Hurwitz put up $250,000 and came out of it with $230 million.  Whether its junk bonds or junk politicians, Hurwitz knows how to invest his money. "