Details about this story

• Source: Bloomberg News
• Date: April 03, 2006
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: Josh P. Hamilton , Jonathan Salant
• Topics: Campaign Finance
• Data Types: Local Data
• Description/Excerpt: New Orleans business leaders who helped bankroll Mayor Ray Nagin's political career before Hurricane Katrina have given at least $279,600 to his two strongest opponents in this month's election. Donald Bollinger, owner of Bollinger Shipyards Inc., gave $10,000 through last June to Nagin, who appointed him to the Bring New Orleans Back Commission that crafted recovery recommendations. In February, nine Bollinger companies gave Forman the maximum $5,000 each, totaling $45,000. In all, three of the commission's seven business members who once funded Nagin now back challengers.