Hollywood Plays a Starring Role in Financing Politics

By ROBERT W. WELKOS

Aug. 25, 1996 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

At billionaire David Geffen’s Malibu beachfront home, two quiet dinner parties were conducted early this election year for a select group and a very special guest of honor: Bill Clinton.

Joining the president for duck, caviar and conversation were about two dozen figures from the worlds of entertainment and business, including MCA chieftain Edgar M. Bronfman Jr., film producer Steve Tisch and recording industry executive Jerry Moss.

Then, in the weeks after his gatherings in February and March, Geffen worked his fund-raising magic. Many guests wound up contributing $50,000 to $100,000 to the Democratic Party.

But this $1.7 million, raised so swiftly and from so few, represents only a fraction of the campaign funds emanating each election cycle from Hollywood.

The Southern California-based entertainment industry has contributed at least $23.5 million to the major political parties, political action committees and candidates running for federal office since 1991, according to a Times analysis of federal election records.

The biggest contributors range from studio chiefs, producers and movie stars to the widow of a rock musician and the producer of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” television show. And their donations reach into virtually every state, flowing into political parties and congressional races from New England to Hawaii.

The contributions by Hollywood reveal the political leanings of people who help shape American popular culture and who are some of the most famous personalities in the world. The donations also show the financial clout and corporate agenda of an industry that fuels the regional economy.

The pattern buttresses the public perception that the industry is dominated by one political party. Hollywood has provided nearly 10 times more money to the Democratic National Committee than to its GOP counterpart, seven times more to Clinton’s reelection campaign to date than to Republican challenger Bob Dole--and more than $1 million to California’s Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

But for the first time in years, Hollywood’s corporate political action committees now favor Republicans. Amid massive mergers and sustained attacks over programming content, the PACs have given the GOP 62% more than Democrats since Republicans took control of Congress two years ago.

“Part of Hollywood gives according to its heart and personal inclination, but clearly the industry gives according to its [business] interests,” said USC professor Herbert Alexander, director of the Citizens’ Research Foundation for the study of campaign financing. “The business PAC contributions follow where the power is and where the necessity is for access.”

Hollywood, with its concentration of wealthy, famous and politically attuned people, has been an important source of campaign funds since the days of the studio moguls.

Now, as the national elections approach, candidates are again converging on the town, hoping to fill their campaign war chests with checks from galas at Beverly Hills estates to small cocktail parties.

From 1995 through June 30, Hollywood gave more than $6.3 million to candidates, parties and PACs--a total expected, by the end of the election season, to rise above the $10 million collected four years ago.

With California playing a crucial role in the presidential race, Clinton has made more than two dozen trips to the state--and a number of fund-raising forays into the entertainment world.

Despite its high visibility, the scope of entertainment industry donations has remained elusive, hidden for the most part within millions of campaign records.

For this article, a media consulting company--Campaign Study Group of Springfield, Va.--examined contributions by the political action committees of major companies and thousands of individual donations.

Although not comparable, a recent Federal Election Commission study puts giving by Hollywood in some perspective. The FEC found that wealthy individuals and corporations from all industries have contributed a total of $154.2 million to both major parties this election cycle. Another study found that lawyers have given $5.4 million to Clinton and Dole.

One of the most striking features of Hollywood donations is the collective power of this relatively small creative community:

Actors and actresses gave $1.85 million while the music industry provided $1.1 million in the last 5 1/2 years. Among the top givers were Barbra Streisand, Dustin Hoffman, rock musician Don Henley and jazz musician Lionel Hampton.

While male studio executives remain the largest givers, women account for a third of the top 100 contributors identified by The Times’ study. One of Hollywood’s most powerful political action committees is run by and for women.

And, although the six major studios and their employees contributed $6.7 million, a new multimedia enterprise has emerged as a powerful political player in the last two years. . . .

The Political Dream Team

Near Universal Studios, on the 27th floor of an office tower that commands a view of Hollywood, politicians come in search of campaign money.

They come to the offices of Andy Spahn because he is the political gatekeeper for Geffen, director Steven Spielberg and former Disney studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg--founders of DreamWorks SKG.

They come because these titans of entertainment also have become titans of political fund-raising: Geffen is now the top contributor in Hollywood, while his partners rank third and fourth.

The trio has contributed nearly $1.5 million to the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates for federal office since 1991.

Geffen alone has given nearly $110,000 to office seekers and $440,000 to the party in “soft money,” which can only be used for party-building activities such as voter registration drives. There is no limit on the amount of soft money individuals can give, but they can donate no more than $1,000 to a candidate each election.

Through a personal friendship, Geffen enjoys access to the president and, sources say, they talk often on the phone.

In an interview, Geffen said he makes donations simply out of admiration for Clinton--not to advance his business interests or influence legislation. “I believe in this president,” he said, “and I like him and what he stands for.”

Although some view Geffen as Hollywood’s new political point person--a role long held by MCA Chairman Emeritus Lew Wasserman--he dismisses such talk, saying, “I don’t aspire to any of that stuff.”

Still, Geffen clearly has become a fund-raising force.

In 1993, he persuaded oilman Marvin Davis to hold a Clinton event that raked in $2 million, and last year he co-hosted another one at Spielberg’s home featuring comedian Robin Williams and singer k.d. lang. That took in $2.1 million.

On Sept. 12, Geffen will co-host a Clinton fund-raiser for 1,200 to 1,300 guests at Greenacres, the former Harold Lloyd estate in Beverly Hills. The hosts hope to raise as much as $3.5 million.

Friends say Geffen is persistent about fund-raising. “He’s one of those people who won’t take no for an answer,” said Tisch, co-producer of the Academy Award-winning movie “Forrest Gump” and a top Hollywood contributor. “Six months from now, if there is [a charity] I would like David to support . . . it would be reciprocated.”

This year, Democratic Senate candidates from as far away as Rhode Island and North Carolina have trekked to DreamWorks.

The job of meeting them falls to Spahn, a former antiwar activist who handles all political activities as head of corporate affairs at the firm. Spahn, whose ties to the Democratic Party go back years, handicaps political races for Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen.

“We do not give money unless we are certain what [a candidate] is about and what they stand for,” Geffen said. “You can’t give money to everybody.”

The Politics of Gender

When listing Hollywood’s premiere political contributors, who would ever guess Gail Zappa?

Without fanfare, the widow of rock musician Frank Zappa has vaulted into the top 10 of the Southern California entertainment industry’s biggest individual contributors.

She has given $218,000 in political contributions, according to federal election records, with the vast majority going to the DNC.

The mother of four said she decided to donate money after her husband’s death from prostate cancer in 1993, but she didn’t know where to mail the check. “I actually called my lawyer and said, ‘Call somebody and find out where you send money,’ ” she recalled.

She is pro-choice on abortion and a strong advocate of intellectual property rights. She favors legalization of marijuana because it has medicinal value and hemp is a renewable resource--although she is quick to add that she and her husband did not use drugs.

But what she likes about Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, she said, is that “they are of my generation.”

“Bob Dole represents to me the guy who burned my comic book when I was a kid,” she said.

Zappa joins a sizable list of women in entertainment who have plunged headlong into politics with their checkbooks as much as their votes.

Some are celebrities such as singer Bonnie Raitt and actresses Marlo Thomas and Joanne Woodward. Others are married to top executives in the industry.

Lorraine Sheinberg ranks 35th among Hollywood contributors, 30 slots below her husband, Sidney.

Sheinberg said that years ago she would follow her husband’s lead in making campaign contributions, but learned that his agenda, as president of MCA, diverged from her own.

“I ended up signing checks for . . . his business interests,” she said. “I won’t do that anymore. I now feel [contributing] is one way I can vote.”

Feisty and outspoken, Lorraine Sheinberg describes herself as a “very left of liberal person,” who along with her husband was once tossed off a bus in New Orleans for sitting in the back with blacks.

“This is a longtime gig for us,” she said. “We’ve been committed personally and now publicly.”

The Rainmakers

Like tourists seeking out the homes of stars, political candidates require a road map to find their way into Hollywood’s fund-raising network.

The first stops are often at the major studios, where over the years key contributors have occupied executive suites: Wasserman and Sheinberg at MCA, Bob Daly and Terry Semel at Warner Bros., Peter Guber at Sony Pictures Entertainment.

At Disney today, the political point person is John F. Cooke, who, as executive vice president of corporate affairs, handles government relations. He has made more than $107,000 in donations since 1991--exceeding Disney Chairman Michael Eisner ($77,250) and Disney President Michael Ovitz ($66,543).

Cooke declined to comment for this story.

Another key stop on the fund-raising circuit--if a candidate is “progressive”--is the 300-member Hollywood Women’s Political Committee.

On the third floor of a small, nondescript office building not far from Sony Studios in Culver City, the committee has become a powerhouse since its founding in 1984 by women from film, television and the arts.

Records show that since 1991, the committee has taken in more than $2.1 million in contributions. And it has given out $488,000 in campaign money, more than all but the three largest Hollywood corporate PACs.

The committee is guided by nine founding principles, including economic equality for women and opposition to nuclear weapons.

“We give to candidates based on whether they are pro-choice or not pro-choice, not on whether they signed or didn’t sign the telecommunications bill,” said Executive Director Lara Bergthold.

Another way to gain a foothold in the Hollywood fund-raising circuit is to enlist the aid of an established figure such as producer Norman Lear.

Paramount Pictures studio chief Sherry Lansing has opened her home to at least half a dozen fund-raisers this year for such candidates as Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Max Baucus of Montana. “I’ve been a liberal Democrat my whole life,” she said.

A number of high-profile figures have donated to the Republicans since 1991, but the size and number of their contributions do not rival those of the Democrats.

Actor James Stewart donated about $26,000 to the Republicans, and the late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, producer of the James Bond movies, gave more than $57,000. Sylvester Stallone gave $29,000 to Republicans, but also $21,000 to Democrats.

Some political observers say the GOP has not done enough to cultivate Hollywood, although a number of Republicans have held fund-raisers.

“Republicans do not woo Hollywood--they basically write it off,” said David Horowitz, who heads the Center for the Study of Popular Culture in Los Angeles.

Said actor Charlton Heston, who campaigns for many Republican candidates: “Hollywood is a cash cow for both parties. It’s hard [for Republicans] to match the fund-raising ability of a Barbra Streisand. But there is a lot of money that flows out of this state to every conceivable political pocket.”

Peer pressure in the Hollywood community, Heston added, causes many conservatives to keep a low profile. “I think there are certainly more conservatives in the closet than homosexuals,” he said. “No question about that.”

The Hollywood-Washington Tango

In June, Gore delivered a speech to members of the Los Angeles entertainment industry, urging support for the administration’s efforts to require three hours of educational TV programming per week.

Gore decried the mayhem and commercialism in children’s TV, and he singled out the violence on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”

The irony was not lost on Haim Saban, whose company produces the immensely popular series about five martial arts heroes.

In the last two years, Saban has emerged as one of Hollywood’s top contributors, giving at least $187,000 to the Democratic Party.

So, does Saban keep giving in hopes that it will help his business?

“You think I do this [contribute] for my business? Heavens!” he said with exasperation. “I give without any expectation of getting anything back.”

The primary reason he gives is that Clinton is “viscerally committed to Israel,” Saban said. “My home of origin is Israel.”

Saban, who has been to the White House to discuss TV violence, said he once called Gore’s office to explore ways to put his show in a more positive light. But nothing has changed, and he said it is wrong for Gore to “micro-manage what is on television.”

The corporate sector of the entertainment industry appears to understand the fickle nature of its relationship with Washington.

Corporations are prohibited from contributing to federal candidates. But through their PACs--registered organizations formed to raise and spend money to influence voting--Hollywood has contributed heavily and almost equally to both major parties since 1991.

Even House Speaker Newt Gingrich, neither a friend of liberal social programs nor federal spending on the arts, got his share of Hollywood PAC money: $51,000.

After the 1994 elections, the balance of power shifted to the GOP--and so did the industry’s support. Since then, corporate PACs have given $1.16 million to Republicans and $716,000 to Democrats.

Politicians sitting on key House and Senate committees that deal with issues vital to the entertainment industry received hefty contributions.

Rep. Jack Fields of Texas, who as chairman of the House subcommittee on telecommunications and finance helped steer the giant telecommunications bill through Congress, received more from Hollywood PACS than any other Republican: $98,999.

The industry’s leading political contributors were two broadcast and cable PACs--National Cable Television Assn. PAC and the National Assn. of Broadcasters Television and Radio PAC--which gave a combined $2.7 million.

Despite Hollywood’s generosity toward politicians, the industry has suffered setbacks in Washington.

The White House recently pressured the television industry to carry three hours of educational programming each week. Broadcasters also agreed to adopt a content ratings system by 1997, when new TV sets must be equipped with “V-chips” that allow parents to block excessively violent programs.

Meanwhile, the administration failed to give the movie industry what it most wanted out of the world trade agreement: unfettered access to European audiences.

Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Assn. of America, was beside himself two years ago when the administration signed a sweeping international trade agreement that did not guarantee U.S. entertainment firms open access to European audiences.

“I feel vexation sometimes, but never betrayed,” Valenti said in a recent interview. “Politics is an unpredictable game.”

About This Story

In this election year, The Times sought to quantify political donations by the Southern California-based entertainment industry. Using computerized Federal Election Commission records, the Campaign Study Group of Springfield, Va., examined more than 2.4 million contributions from all sectors of society between 1991 and June 30.

The study found 21,092 Hollywood-based contributions from 4,789 individuals and companies. In election filings, the individuals either identified entertainment companies as their employer or listed an occupation within the industry. Spouses and additional employees were identified by using other resource materials. A total of 17,048 donations were made directly to candidates and national party organizations. Another 4,044 contributions went to political action committees controlled by entertainment corporations and other Hollywood special interests. The total exceeded $23.5 million.

The analysis did not capture contributions under $200 because those are not reported to the FEC. It also does not include “soft money” contributions to political parties in 1991, because the government did not track those until 1992. Soft money can only be used for party building activities such as get-out-the-vote drives.

The research was conducted for The Times by Dwight Morris, president of the Campaign Study Group, a media consulting company specializing in campaign finance analysis.

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Celebrity Donors

Studio executives are among Hollywood’s top political contributors, but the list of donors includes actors, musicians, TV producers and others in the Southern California-based entertainment industry.

Steven Spielberg: $503,123

Barbra Streisand: $142,825

Don Henley: $107,685

Dustin Hoffman: $96,500

* Donations from 1991 to June 30, 1996

Source: Federal Election Commission

Star Contributors

The scope of political contributions by the entertainment industry lies hidden in campaign records, but a Times computer-assited analysis found that Hollywood has given at least $23.5 million to federal candidates from 1991 through June 30 of this year. Although the industry’s employees overwhelmingly support Democrats, its corporate political action committees favor Republicans.

TOP 20 HOLLYWOOD CONTRIBUTORS

The principals at DreamWorks SKG--David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg--dominate the list of Hollywood’s top individual contributors. But some relatively unknown figures--including the widow of rock musician Frank Zappa and the head of Saban Entertainment, which produces the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”--are in the top 10.

1. David Geffen, Studio executive: $575,697

2. Lew R. Wasserman, Former studio chairman: $507,833

3. Steven Spielberg, Director, studio executive: $503,123

4. Jeffrey Katzenberg, Studio executive: $408,320

5. Sidney J. Sheinberg, Film producer: $321,362

6. Steven E. Tisch, Film producer: $283,500

7. Frederick W. Field, Film producer, record executive: $247,250

8. Gail Zappa, Businesswoman: $218,000

9. Haim Saban, TV producer: $202,000

10. Terry Semel, Studio executive: $177,118

11. Jerome S. Moss, Record executive: $173,750

12. Robert A. Daly, Studio executive: $145,838

13. Steven J. Ross, Late Time Warner chairman: $144,500

14. Barbra Streisand, Singer, actress, producer: $142,825

15. Alan F. Horn, Film and TV executive: $123,303

16. Peter Guber, Film producer: $118,935

17. Nancy M. Daly, Children’s advocate: $114,350

18. Harry M. Brittenham, Entertainment lawyer: $110,800

19. Don Henley, Rock musician: $107,685

20. John F. Cooke, Studio executive: $107,191

Note: Edgar M. Bronfman Jr., president of the Seagram conglomerate, which took over MCA Inc. in 1995, has made at least $318,000 in political contributions to candidates or the Democratic National Committee since the acquisition.

TOP RECIPIENTS

The biggest benefactors of Hollywood contributions are California’s two Democratic senators and former Rep. Mel Levine (D--Santa Monica), whose district included the Westside.

1. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.): $589,609

2. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.): $442,777

3. Rep. Mel Levine (D-Calif.): $401,625

4. Clinton for President 1992: $381,649

5. Clinton / Gore ’96 Primary Comm.: $381,390

6. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.): $247,371

7. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Calif.): $143,150

8. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.): $123,400

9. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.): $114,900

10. Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.): $107,000

CLINTON: The Clinton primary campaign ranks seventh in donations from the entertainment industry, with $380,890--almost exactly what he took in four years ago in the primary.

DOLE: The Dole primary campaign ranked 27th among recipients of Hollywood money, with $55,250--slightly ahead of the 1992 Bush-Quayle primary campaign.

TOP CONTRIBUTORS BY MAJOR COMPANIES, EMPLOYEES AND SPOUSES

Companies have contributed millions of dollars to political parties while their employees have millions more to parties, candidates and political action committees. Their collective giving has gone overwhelmingly to the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates, but the percentage to each party has varied.

Time Warner Inc.

Total: $2,743,996

Dems: 57%

GOP: 19%

Other: 24%

Walt Disney Co.

Total: $1,612,180

Dems: 77%

GOP: 12%

Other: 11%

MCA Inc.

Total: $1,319,060