August 30, 2007
Posted: August 30th, 2007 09:02 AM ET

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton out on the campaign trail.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - New York Sen. Hillary Clinton will return $23,000 in donations from a fundraiser who has an outstanding arrest warrant in California.

Norman Hsu, a well-connected Democratic fundraiser, has come under scrutiny in recent days after news reports called into question some of his fundraising and also revealed a criminal record.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that six members of the family of a San Francisco mail carrier have donated a total of $45,000 to Clinton since 2005. The Journal also reported that those donations closely track donations made by Hsu. Then, the Los Angeles Times reported that Hsu is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant because he failed to appear for sentencing in a criminal case in which he had pleaded no contest to a single felony count of grand theft in 1991.

Several Democratic candidates across the country have decided to purge their campaigns of Hsu's contributions in light of these revelations. Comedian Al Franken, a U.S. Senate candidate in Minnesota; Rep. Michael Honda of California; and Rep. Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania have all said they would return contributions from Hsu.

"In light of the new information regarding Mr. Hsu's outstanding warrant in California, we will be giving his contributions to charity," said Clinton spokesman Phil Singer.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Hsu said he was "surprised to learn that there appears to be an outstanding warrant - as demonstrated by the fact that I have and do live a public life." In the statement, Hsu added, "I have not sought to evade any obligations and certainly not the law."

On Tuesday, Hsu's attorney disputed any suggestion that his client had improperly directed contributions.

–CNN's Paul Steinhauser and Martina Stewart

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Carl Hubbard, Hamilton Ohio   September 9th, 2007 10:05 am ET

Who are the rest of the politicians who benefitted from this.
It just breaks your hearts that you are going to have to live under a real class act, president for the nest eight years.
Now you can see what us people who can think for ourselves have have been experiencing under thes two Dictator types have been going through for the last six and a half yrs.
I say Get I done, Hillery.

Wndrtch   September 5th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

I wonder why she opted to "donate" the money, instead of returning it to it's rightful owners. Hsu is a "fundraiser", which means he got the money from others. I wonder who THEY are? If she "donates" the money to charity, does that mean she won't have to disclose the origional donors?

I don't think all the rats have jumped ship yet...

Christian, Providence, RI   August 31st, 2007 9:14 am ET

I agree with Michael. Think about it, who has the expirience to really get the job done? Obama??? NOT! I like him but he is still WAAAAAAAY to junior to even think about this job. Think about what she is up against in terms of being the only woman running. Wasn't it "G dubbya" that said he would bring back dignity and honor? Look what he has accomplished and how BADLY this Administration has hurt the reputation of this GREAT country! I give Hillary credit and I trust and am behind her 110%!!!

Pause for the Cause, Greenville   August 31st, 2007 8:35 am ET

Tom of Dedham,

You forgot...

First president to be disbarred.

Add that with Hillary failing the bar exam in D.C. (but passing it in Arkansas) and you see why they are politicians. The only job a lawyer can hold when they can practice their own profession. Of, course, she did pass her bar exam (in Arkansas) but how many people would hire her to be their lawyer given that fact?

Chuck, Council Bluffs, Iowa   August 31st, 2007 8:31 am ET

I can't believe CNN and the other major news networks try to deny their liberal bias. Here is a candidate for president accepting illegal campaign contributions and they treat it as a non-event because it might reflect poorly on their agenda. Any guess how this might have been treated in the media if Mitt Romney accepted an illegal donation? I doubt whether the headline would have read that he donated the money to charity, and I also doubt that it would get buried at the bottom of the news ticker.

Randall- Raleigh, N.C.   August 31st, 2007 5:58 am ET

Democrats are practicing good ethics by returing those contributions...something the American people have not seen...with Republicans in office. And yes ethics and morals are related by the way. (congress needed ethics training just a few years back).

Breana, Gilbert AZ   August 30th, 2007 10:13 pm ET

I'm not exactly sure on all of Hilary's backround because I'm not much of a politics person and I only really read news from this site once a week for current events(for school), but I must admit that I find Hilary an amazing person from what I do know about her, and generous to donate that money. Although, I would like to know where she's donating it, but I'm sure CNN will cover that soon. And, although I can't vote yet, I do hope she wins the election. Go Hilary!!!

Ralph, San Deigo, CA   August 30th, 2007 9:52 pm ET

It is no surprise that the Clinton News Network didn’t post this story on their home page. Instead we see a disgraced senator from Idaho, who no one cares about as the top story. Come on CNN. Let’s see… A senator that no one has ever heard of is accused of soliciting sex in a public restroom or the front running Democratic candidate for President of the United States has accepted campaign contributions from a KNOWN and wanted criminal. Which is a bigger story? As if she and her campaign management had not idea that Mr. Hsu was a criminal or that he had contributed to her campaign. But what else can we expect from such a biased news organization. With access to so much news available at our fingertips it just amazes me that CNN just doesn’t get it. Hello, there are other networks and other means for us to get the TRUTH. If Hillary wins the Democratic nomination, Republicans and independents alike will turnout in droves to vote against her. Your added bias only hurts not helps her campaign.

John   August 30th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

You would think that someone as smart as Hillary Clinton would have learned from the many issues that hounded her husband with fund raising. I know the GOP would love to face her but its time for a new change in Washington and this is why I'm voting for Edwards.

Bryan, Ft Benning, GA   August 30th, 2007 8:10 pm ET

Here we go again, everyone wanting to bash the Clintons. If that is all you all have to do, then you have problems. Why can't you all find something else to complain about, like the war in Iraq. Why are we still there? Leave the Clintons alone and let them win the election.

Will Rodgers, Denver, CO   August 30th, 2007 7:49 pm ET

I believe that this is a Republican dirty trick. Getting someone dirty to plegde money to a leading Dem and then turn them in. Sound familiar?

Austin, TX   August 30th, 2007 6:52 pm ET

Get over it Clinton haters – all politicians that play at that high level get their monies the same way.

Alwayscorrect   August 30th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

Such a non-issue. But it's amazing how the right wing, loser party of Craig/Foley/DeLay are so desperate to go after Hillary that they'll latch on to any shred of nothing news to bash her. Face it, the GOP is out of ideas, morally corrupt and out of credibility. Quit whining about Hillary and tend to your own sinking ship.

Rodney Lester   August 30th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

IT'S SIMPLE, IF YOU DON'T LIKE CNN, STOP READING IT.

Mike, Coarsegold,Cal   August 30th, 2007 5:18 pm ET

The Clinton culture of corruption continues.

Matthew, Washington D.C.   August 30th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

Senator Clinton did the right thing here. She has received tens of millions of dollars in contributions from countless donors. We can't possibly expect here to investigate the background of every single donor, just as we don't expect any other politician to. Don't forget, Republicans haven't exactly been known for their clean donor records either (i.e. Jack Abrahamoff).

Jeremy, Brooklyn NY   August 30th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

After reading some of the comments I am shocked... Shocked that so many people that obviously watch Fox News can actually read. Anyone who even likens CNN to Faux News clearly needs to wake up. Its like comparing Time magazine with The Weekly Standard, whose tag line is that they "don't just report the news, shape the news." Any thinking person would be outraged by that statement as a clear advertisement of bias.

That being said this isn't great for Clinton but compared to the Republicans knack for scandals it is low level at best. Nearly every Republican front runner has already had at least one more noteworthy scandal arise from their campaign (or supporters).

Personally I am cheering for Obama so its all good as long as a Rep doesn't win again (unless it is Ron Paul... that guy is old school conservative, liberatarian even).

don ashley kansas city, missouri   August 30th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

as a voting democrat it disturbes me greatly to once again hear about illegal clinton campaign contributions. whats even more disturbing is cnn's lack of desire to persue this story. granted its not as spicey as a republican waving his hand under the stall for sex, but it is our political future for sell to the highest contributor. don't bury this story on the back page!

Chip Celina OH   August 30th, 2007 3:36 pm ET

Most of the defenses on this comment page of Mrs. Clinton center around the following train of thought:

"The woman has over 50,000 donors. Are candidates supposed to personally know every donor and the source of these people's income?"

Which I can certainly agree with, you can't screen or do background checks on all donors.

But, there is a history between the Senator and the Apparel magnate. He's pushed some pretty big bucks her way, as well as spreading the wealth around.

If I saw the frequency and amount of repeated donations to my campaign from a Chinese guy, I'd wonder what's up. (Gotta know who you need to give the kickback to, right?) Given the dust-up during the '96 season with Chinese contributions/LORAL Corp., a real savvy, experienced incredibly smart (some say super genius) polished politician running under the anti-cronyism, end the culture of corruption banner would probably take pro-active measures to refuse the money. Whether something was amiss or not, the appearance of impropriety is something you'd want to (presumably) avoid.

Wouldn't you at least want to know what reason a Chinese guy would have such an interest in your campaign?

Maybe the charity it's going to is Tom Vilsack. That way only 377,000 would come directly from her campaign money, his lingering campaign debt would be taken care of and the endorsement secured.

It would be nice if we had publicly funded elections. I must agree with that point. One gets dizzy trying to make heads or tails of all of these hide the money schemes. It's ridiculous.

Have a good day,

Chip

CPR   August 30th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Florida Loves Hillary! Thank You for your sincerity and always leading the way. You have my vote in 2008, keep up the great work Madam President!!!

dawn -- gaithersburg, MD.   August 30th, 2007 3:10 pm ET

The campaign finance aspect of the Hsu spat worse than the Jack Abramoff scandals? I don't think so. Here are just a few highlights from the Abramoff debacle. Abramoff outright bribed Republican legislators for their votes on issues of concern to his clients by peddling their influence to Indian tribes (which he mocked in racist ways in e-mails) for huge fees and then kicking some contributions and lavish trips back to Republicans. He accepted government property from Administration members and made sure to reward his accomplices through generous donations to the GOP. Now, this is just the stuff I remember off the top of my head. On the other hand, Mr. Hsu, acting apparently alone, may have committed campaign finance fraud by funneling money through relatives. How is this even Sen. Clinton's fault, much less comparable to the Abramoff scandal?

Bill W, Coatesville, PA   August 30th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Jack, you forgot to mention the (alleged) sale of presidential pardons as they left office along with all that other stuff.

If I recall, Hillary's brother all but openly admitted to taking $400,000 for one of the pardons, but the story was duly buried.

And let's not forget that Hillary brought in TATA consulting, the #1 outsourcer of American jobs to India, to her home state – Downtown Buffalo, and set them up with a sweetheart deal. I can only wonder what kind of a "campaign contribution" she got for that piece of work.

Chip Celina OH   August 30th, 2007 3:02 pm ET

It's nice to see this gesture of getting rid of the tainted money.

He endowed a scholarship in his name at the college he is on the board of and was co-chairman of a benefit awards dinner in 2006 that featured Sen. Clinton, who had secured a $950,000 earmark for a mentoring program at the college.

Nothing unethical there, give me a little tribute, I'll cut you a piece of the pie.

Perhaps his contributions had nothing to do with her securing that money, who's to say, but it does look a bit suspicious.

Business as usual. Why should she not return favors for donations? Nearly all of the other 'jerks with perqs' do it.

Apparently that's what we want in our government because we keep voting the same old clowns in time and again. It's always the politicians from everyone else's district, right? Can't be my guy, he's good.

Have a nice day and keep the status quo,

Chip

Dave, Miramar Beach Fl   August 30th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

For those are griping about returning money from crooks. How about Bush

CONTRIBUTIONS — BUSH RECEIVED MORE THAN $100,000 FROM ABRAMOFF: Abramoff was a “Pioneer” in the Bush 2004 reelection campaign. Bush has returned $6,000. [AP, 1/4/06]

Dave, Miramar Beach Fl   August 30th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

You think the Clinton's are the only people selling rooms in the White House?

Look at this:
GABON — ABRAMOFF ARRANGED MEETING WITH BUSH FOR A FEE: Abramoff “asked for $9 million in 2003 from the president of a West African nation to arrange a meeting with President Bush and directed his fees to a Maryland company now under federal scrutiny, according to newly disclosed documents.” On July 28, 2003, Abramoff wrote to Gabon’s president, Omar Bongo, “Without advance resources, I have been cautiously working to obtain a visit for the president to Washington to see President Bush.” “In a draft agreement with Gabon dated Aug. 7, 2003, Mr. Abramoff and his associates asked that $9 million in lobbying fees be paid through wire transfers – three of them, each for $3 million – to GrassRoots [small Maryland consulting firm run by Abramoff] instead of the Washington offices of Greenberg Traurig. … The agreement promised a ‘public relations effort related to promoting Gabon and securing a visit for President Bongo with the president of the United States.’” On May 26, 2004, Bongo met with Bush. [New York Times, 11/10/05]

Claudine, Covina, CA   August 30th, 2007 1:47 pm ET

Idiots. In response to the request to release her papers from her white house years...get in line! In fact, that's what the employees at the museum say. There are so many requests for her papers and there is a limited amount of personnel to get it done.

And as for the campaign donation "scandel", let's be fair. Isn't every politician connected to shady political contributions. What, you think Obama is so pure, or that Edwards hasn't misreported a dime? Please, these are professional politicians. Hillary has been attacked non-stop since she was in Arkansas and still gets up and fights back.

AND FYI, a "Hillraiser" is anyone who signs up and wants to raise money (any amount, not $100,000) for Hillary's campaign.

Duh

Joe, Hell MI   August 30th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

Just a quick reality check for any CNN story...

Replace the word 'Clinton' with 'Romney' and ask yourself, Would this be front page? Would there be an hour by hour update on the story?

CNN reporting has become worse than CBS. Truely sad.

chesapeake beach md   August 30th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

everybody better read the wall street jounral's report about this issue, it gives names of many DEMS and is much WORST then the JACK A. issue

Jayson, Beale AFB, CA   August 30th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

When someone was arrested for grand theft shouldn't the money being going to whoever he is accused of stealing it from or their insurance company if the money was insured? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out but somehow politicians think that giving to charity makes it all better.

Once again a politician proves how little intelligence is required to be a politician.

Dave, Miramar Beach Fl   August 30th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

All the Republicans have very short memory. I will remind them with 2 words. JACK ABRAMOFF.

Here is more
ABRAMOFF PLEADED GUILTY TO TWO MORE FELONY COUNTS
ABRAMOFF GAVE OVER $127,000 TO REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES.

Remember Tom Delay too??

Mia, Wisconsin   August 30th, 2007 12:53 pm ET

Ha,ha,ha! I was waiting for a story to break about Clinton, so the Repugnants can pounce on her like dung beetles on dog --. Somthing to divert the attention from a Senator who did break the law, and tried to lie to the public about it. The haters have already formed their opinions, and are dredging up the same old mud to bring her down. While we're at it, let's check every donation from every senator, and I'll bet we'll come up with some questionable donations. Face it: unless the Justice Department can prove she's funneling money to Al-Queda, she's going to be a tough one to beat. If you're going to come up with something to bring her down, at least be a little creative about it!

Rodney Dallas TX   August 30th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

You know, many of you are saying that you really had to hunt for this article. Why? Because it's not news worthy. She got a donation and found out if was from a criminal so she is donating it. Why can't you people just praise her for doing it. It's so typical of republicans. If she keeps it, you throw a fit. If she gets rid of it, your throwing a bigger fit. This story is not news worthy. If it is, do you also want to know when she takes a crap or when her monthly cycle is? Come on, get a life people.

R.L. Black, Atlanta, GA   August 30th, 2007 12:43 pm ET

LOL.....How funny. I wonder what flavor of kool-aid you folks are drinking. Let me know, because I most definitely don't want any. This is a non-issue. If you purge the campaign contributions of both party candidates, I bet you'll find less than desirable contributors on both ends. Lets be focused on issues that are important for our country. Lets not play the game of "Caught You".

Rodney Dallas TX   August 30th, 2007 12:40 pm ET

Hillary has done NOTHING illegal. You may not agree with what she is doing but she has not broken the law in any way, shape, or form. if you want law breakers, do research on the republicans. Almost everyone of them have skeletons in their closet. Hillary has been clean and done everything she can to please as many people as possible. Republican are looking for whatever they can to discredit her but it will never work. People constantly bring up the affair that Bill had. Had she left, republicans would have said she didn't value marriage and family. Since she stayed, republican are calling her weak. Republicans will say anything to make themselves look good. Republicans might as well leave the country now cause Hillary is on her way to the White House.

Rocco, Wellington, Fl   August 30th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

People that really care about this country will stay focused on the policy of the canidate. This meaningless rederick is to feed the ego of the right wing. Hillary is at the right place at the right time in our history and she will be a GREAT President!

Jeff, Sacramento CA   August 30th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

CNN needs to report the WHOLE story about Mr. Hsu, because his donations to Sen. Clinton are just the tip of the iceberg.

Mr. Hsu and his associates have given Mrs. Clinton $133,000 since 2005 and a total of nearly $720,000 to all Democratic candidates and DNC party directly. This story touches on the $200,000 he illegally funneled through the Paw family. Did he funnel more money through others that is not known at this time? Where did the rest of that 200k go to besides Sen. Clinton from the Paw family? What about the personal donations he did, because he has been fugitive from the law for 15 years now?

Jon, Pittsburgh, PA   August 30th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

First, it's not a big story, that's why it's not all over the headlines – this sort of contribution happens to both democrats and republicans. Second, the administration with the most members indicted was that of Ronald Reagan. Of course, GW isn't out of office, yet.

Doesn't matter to me whether it's Hillary, Barrack, Joe Biden, Richardson, ANY democrat will be better for the country than the current field of republican candidates. Does the southern drawl of Fred Thompson make anyone else nauseous?

Ernie, Provincetown, MA   August 30th, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Hsu has raised vast sums for Clinton and was to co-host a major fund-raising party for Hillary. For a more complete story check out the Tuesday Wall Street Journal.

Rodney Lester   August 30th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

Hey Blue State Demo! Could you possibly get any more stupid? Mr. Hsu donated money to SEVERAL democrats. His crime happened in 1991. Hillary cannot be responsible for something he did 15 years ago. She is giving the money to charity which is the right thing to do. I swear, some of you commentors have no business being on here.

Rodney Dallas TX   August 30th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Are you all a bunch a morons? He gave money to several democrats, not just Hillary. Why are you only targeting Hillary Clinton? For those of you that hate her, get ready cause she's your next president.

NY, NY   August 30th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

Everyone get off their high horse about this. It isn't Clintons fault, these things happen everyday, blame the system, not the players. Clinton haters always looking for something, get a life and do something productive.

David, Gilbert Arizona   August 30th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

So this guy Hsu pleads no contest to a criminal charge in 1991 but fails to appear. In 2005 this same man donates money to various democratic campaigns. So, it takes 14 years for the outstanding warrant to see the light of day and only after Hsu donates money to multiply democratic campaigns? And it is Hillary's fault that she was not aware of the 14 year old warrant?

I am more upset with the California Corrections Department than I am with any of the democratic campaigns this man donated to.

Claude, Mesa AZ   August 30th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

Hillary's feet should be held to the fire. This man was a memeber of the quote "Hill Raiser Club". Any person that is included in this club should be checked out for potential corruption. Being a member of this club indicates you have donated a SIGNIFICANT amount of money to someones campaign. It would seem for someone such as Hillary who has been a part of so many fishy, slimy schemes, she would be ahead of this, but for her, it's all about money and power.

DUSTIN KANSAS   August 30th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

CNN IS A JOKE AND SO ARE ALL THE OTHERS YOU GAVE HER 3 FULL DAYS TO SORT THIS OUT BEFOR RUNNING THE STORY CNN IS HELPING THE DEMS ITS VERY VERY SAD

Big L Atlanta, GA   August 30th, 2007 12:10 pm ET

And one more thing, of these candidates donating the money to charity, can't they be forced to disclose this "charity" and to also then disclose any subsequent contributions from said "charity"?

It would also be interesting to note how many of them get personal credit for the donation in their name, and how many take the tax credit for the charitable contribution.

Maybe CNN has a reporter with nothing to do who could go back to the last times this happened, and track the tax returns of those candidates.

Maurice, Washington, DC   August 30th, 2007 12:02 pm ET

Thank you Megan. Why is Hillary the only person taking heat for this? There is no way you can vet every person who contritubes to your campaign. Let's be fair and balance here. You want to point fingers? Then point fingers at Barack Obama, John Kerry, Charles Shumer, Ted Kennedy, Diane Feinstein and a host of other democratic causes that Mr. Hsu gave money to. I don't smell anything wrong here but some of you can't wait to make Hillary a scape goat. I wish you would all use the same vile language and passion to confront your current president and his administration for the mess they've led the country into.

Big L, Atlanta, GA   August 30th, 2007 11:59 am ET

I'm very sure if you ran a full contributor's list of ANY candidate against a "known / wanted felons" list, you would come up with a few hits, and that is regardless of political party.

The point was well made that this is why private contributions to candidates should be prohibited, or should be cleared through an independent panel who will properly record and report each contribution, and check person out to make sure it is a legal contribution. This way, all contributions would be unbiased public record, with no candidate getting to claim "clerical error" when a contribution doesn't make the report. No more "money buckets" at fundraisers, either for cash that only has to get reported as "miscellaneous collections". A LOT of cash flows into campaigns through these.
Of course, I'm just libertarian enough to also demand that no current member of congress or government employee be permitted to recieve ANY gift or item of value from anyone except immediate family for ANY reason while in government employ, or for five years afterward. Also, any meetings conducted with gevernment employees MUST be recorded, and the recordings made public.

But hey, I'm just trying to rout corruption.

Megan, Massachusetts   August 30th, 2007 11:52 am ET

"Several democratic candidates... would return contributions from Hsu"
Why is Hillary the only candidate under fire and it is assumed she was aware of Hsu's criminal record? At least she is giving the money to charity and not just putting it back in Hsu's pocket.

chris rock hill SC   August 30th, 2007 11:48 am ET

It should be illegal for Billary to run for President, they have been in the White House for eight years.

Dave, Miramar Beach Fl   August 30th, 2007 11:47 am ET

The Difference between the Democrats and Republicans is that you can tell who is the Democrat because they might get money from criminals. You can tell who is a Republican by not getting money from criminals, because they are the criminals.

TransparentTrollop   August 30th, 2007 11:42 am ET

Ummm..., wasn't Hsu a "HillRaiser"? Those that helped raise 100,000+ dollars for her campaign.

100000 – 23000 = 67000+ Which charity is the rest of that money going to Hillary??

corruptuser   August 30th, 2007 11:37 am ET

Democratic candidates across the country race to purge their campaigns of Hsu's contributions.

Cronyism and corruption or coincidence??

P.M. Cedar Rapids, IA   August 30th, 2007 11:29 am ET

This was not just some random handshake contributor; this was a high-level "Hillraiser". This past month from Senator Clinton, we have seen flip-flops, political attacks against some vast Republican conspiracy, and proof that the unethical Clinton fundraising methods of the past are continuing in the present.

4+ years of this? No thanks.

Patrick, Denver Colorado   August 30th, 2007 11:27 am ET

I am NOT a Hilary supporter but I do applaud her for giving up the money especially for charity. I hope the story is followed up and we can see if she actually did this.

dima   August 30th, 2007 11:19 am ET

i am troubled at the lack of clarity of this story and the failure to delve into any detail by cnn.

i know that several ex-clinton staffers work for this network but this is beyond the pale.

you fail to mention the ties that this felon had to the previous chinese donation scandal in 96, where, through soft money given by chinese nationals with ties to the communist party in bejing. The clintons gave away ballistc missle technology to the chinese government upon re-election, to the same company's who donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to her campaign.

you fail to mention that the same staffers who worked on fundraising for that 96 campaign, and were involved in the chinese donation scandal. All hold top positions in hillary's campaign.

you fail to mention the actual amount that this felon donated.

he gave the hillary campaign 200,000 dollars over the course of several years and was a top fundraiser for the clinton campaign, he was known as a "hillraiser".

these are just several of the facts in this shoddy story that you felt the need to not report.

i suspect because of a democratic and liberal bias, you willfully chose to omit these facts because of your passive support of the clintons.

this is not reporting, it is one of the worst examples of journalistic advocacy i have seen yet.

James, Phoenix AZ   August 30th, 2007 11:19 am ET

Hillary is giving the money to Charity?

Nice – considering the charges against this wanted criminal was stock fraud. Don't you think, Hillary, giving the money to California – so they could give SOMETHING back to the victims would be wiser?

Makes me wonder if the Charity of your choice won't have strings back to your campaign!

Sal, Los Angeles   August 30th, 2007 11:17 am ET

HSU has raised over a million dollars for Democrates since his crime. Wonder why CNN doesn't mention where the rest of that money is or why they didn't cover this story yesterday when the Clinton campaign first said they would be keeping the money.. Fox loves the right and CNN loves the left.. we all know it.

Michael James - Illinois   August 30th, 2007 11:13 am ET

While she's in the mood to do the right thing, why won't she release her tax returns, her earmark list and her papers from the time she spent as First Lady?

razmataz, Lawton, OK   August 30th, 2007 11:13 am ET

Yes, she's giving back the money he donated directly. What you don't say, CNN, is that she's not giving back the bundled money that he organized, which is a much larger sum.
You should report the whole story CNN, some folks might think you have a bias, otherwise.
You wouldn't want that now, would you. People might start questioning your journalistic integrity.

Colleen, Ft. Lauderdale, FL   August 30th, 2007 11:03 am ET

Shame on you, CNN! Think you could make this article more inconspicuous? What if it was about the GOP? The Clinton News Network at its finest...

Bob, San Francisco, CA   August 30th, 2007 10:53 am ET

Myron -
Thank you for the first decent comment so far! I can't believe how the previous posters are jumping on this with such desperate furor! "Clinton mafia"? CNN-conspiracy to hide this story? YOU PEOPLE ARE PATHETIC!
Maybe the majority of people out there are smart enough to see that this isn't much of a conspiracy, and really isn't much of a story.
You want to talk about political corruption, then fine, but try not to display such pathetic paranoia such as the thinking that the "liberal media" is part of a vast secret plan with the Clintons. And she probably had no idea about this guy's "outstanding warrant" that he claims to not even know about. Losers.

John Mongeon, Clearwater, Florida   August 30th, 2007 10:33 am ET

I'm curious~ does this article imply that every candidate must run a full backgound check on every single person who contributes to their campaign? Is that even possible?

I am not saying avoiding a warrent is excusable~ it isn't. However, to demand every candidate (not just the Clintons) prescreen every hand they shake and every dollar they receive as a contribution is impossible. Let's be realistic here. Most folks don't even know the criminal/non criminal records of their next door neighbors.

Brian C   August 30th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Are they going to ask back for the Sattelite technology they sold to the Chinese too??

LoooseyGoosey   August 30th, 2007 10:20 am ET

I wonder if Bill's brothel.., I mean library is considered a charity?

Ed,Kansas City, MO   August 30th, 2007 10:19 am ET

What a deal for Norman Hsu. He gets his money back and still will get a pardon if Hillary is elected President.

Steve G, Fort Lauderdale, FL   August 30th, 2007 10:18 am ET

Give the money to a charity?

Why not ask those who lost one million in investments-swindled by Hsu and his latex glove scheme, how that money belongs to anyone but them?

Scrap the Bottom Vote For Rodham!

dawn -- gaithersburg, MD.   August 30th, 2007 10:13 am ET

Sen. Clinton - along with many, many other Democrats, including Sen. Obama - received campaign contributions from someone who was later revealed to have a criminal record. She plans to donate the money to charity. (Just a note: I don't think Hsu was a lobbyist. Even if he is, I don't suppose more lobbyists are charged with crimes than other contributors, so I fail to see any possible relevance to her stance on accepting money from lobbyists.) Of course, this is news and CNN and other press outlets will report it, but the story appears to be of very little importance. By the way, after millions of dollars spent investigating the Clintons for campaign finance violations, how much time did they end up serving? Alright then.

BURNS--NEWTON NH   August 30th, 2007 10:05 am ET

RE: CLINTON RETURNING 23,000 OF 45,000
DOLLARS–MUST HAVE SPENT REMAINING
22,000 BUCKS! OR NOT SURE WHO CONTRIBUTED IT?

Jack Williams, Dallas Texas   August 30th, 2007 9:57 am ET

Well this is a perfect example of the true Clinton's.

They gave up this money because they got caught with it.

Lets look a brief recap into their past. Or did everyone already forget.

Before they came to the White House there was "Whitewater" . They were involved in that so deep, that when the investigations came, people started dying and committing suicide?

Then there was the selling of Beds in the White House for $10,000 a night. That was a true disgrace. In my opinion worse then his activities in the Oval office behind closed doors.

Then there was the accepting money from the Chinese the 1st time around, way back then (they eased the restrictions on imports form the Chinese, and look what we have now).

Last but not least, when they were leaving the White House there were the 2 truck loads of items they took and were forced to return. Their answer was “they thought that the other world leaders they those items to them as personal gifts, not to the American People” . They got caught and they were forced to return the times.

The Clintons are nothing more then “Thief’s with a College Education”.

God save our country for the Clinton's. It would be the beginning of the end.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   August 30th, 2007 9:55 am ET

Wow, I see the Hillary haters smelled blood and went right after it like a bunch of sharks!!

Most campaigns sooner or later have to return money, what's the big deal? The woman has over 50,000 donors. Are candidates supposed to personally know every donor and the source of these people's income? Candidates from both parties already had to return money this campaign season, so I don't see why you all jump on this particular incident other than the fact that it involves Clinton. Whatever......

Pat, Huntington Station, NY   August 30th, 2007 9:49 am ET

Are you all kidding me with all the above outrageous negative comments! Her campaign deals with millions of dollars and thousands of contributions...and oops! One slips in through the cracks and she's a criminal? As soon as she found out about the Hsu contribution, she declared she's divesting her campaign of it [donating to charity]. How does that make her criminal? And since she's donating it, and not returning it to him, she's not aiding and abetting a known criminal [you people need an education]. This is a problem not exclusive to her, but is endemic in the entire political spectrum. The outrageous negative knee-jerk comments from the Hillary Haters have, by their nature absolutely no credibility. Let me guesss...the Republicans can do no wrong, and all other Dem. candidates can do no wrong, only Hillary does wrong. Give me a break. You other commentators better get a clue.

Kevin, Houston, TX   August 30th, 2007 9:47 am ET

Maybe Hillary should do what George Bush/Dick Cheney have done throughout their terms...break the law, and then just say that for national security reasons, the law that applies to everyone else doesn't really apply to them...

Jeff, Sacramento CA   August 30th, 2007 9:47 am ET

Wow, I went and read the LA Times and WSJ articles on this and CNN is seriously lacking on it's reporting on this. This is a heck of a lot bigger story then what is happening with Sen. Craig. Also you mention she was only donating $23k to charity, but say nothing about the $45k he funneled through that family.

Bukky, Baltimore, MD   August 30th, 2007 9:40 am ET

So what you people are saying that every candidate should run a background check on every person that donates? She's corrupt because California could not find a man that was not hiding. The guy is a fudraiser.

When Abramson had all that hoopla about bribey rebublicans down played the hell out if it, but some how she is suppose to know that this guy was wanted from 1991 (16-17yrs) when the state looking for him itself did not know. That's what is BS. If Hillary by cured cancer or AIDS tomorrow you people would still find reason in that to hate her.

Stan, Deatsville Al   August 30th, 2007 9:39 am ET

If this happened to a Republican you wouldn't hear another word about Craig. But since it is about a liberal CNN and the rest of the lame stream media will bury it. When a party hold no position on morals, integrity, or anything in that area they cannot be held accountable for their actions. Take Bob Filner for example, I guess assault is a resume enhancer, shows he’s a “fighter”. CNN knows the democratic party is corrupt and their fine with that.

David, Salinas, CA   August 30th, 2007 9:38 am ET

Senator Clinton has done nothing unethical here. No politician can control the background of their donors. They can refuse to accept donations when information comes to light, and that is exactly what the Senator has done. The use of terms like “disgusting”, “corrupt”, “mafia” and “monster” are inappropriate and damaging to our political dialogue.

I would like to join Ed of Ellenville, New York in calling for publicly funded elections. The PACs, bundlers, lobbyists and corporate donors (on which both parties depend) have a negative impact on our democracy.

Tom Dedham, Mass   August 30th, 2007 9:36 am ET

The Clinton legacy continues as brought to you by the "vast right-wing conspiracy":

- The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
- Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates
- Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
- Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
- Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
- First president sued for sexual harassment.
- First president accused of rape.
- First first lady to come under criminal investigation
- Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
- First president to establish a legal defense fund.
- First president to be held in contempt of court
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad

You go girl!

dave, omaha, nebraska   August 30th, 2007 9:33 am ET

CNN (acronym for the 'Clinton News Network')again shows its selective reporting and lack of credibility. You don't timely report the story about the fugitive who has donated million(s) to Hillary and other Dems, you only report the donation of the dirty money to some Dem charity. Even the L.A. Times had felt a need to report the basic story...

Cable King Pittsburgh Pa   August 30th, 2007 9:30 am ET

Let's see . . . . she and the other candidates gave the money back when they found out this guy had run a foul of the law. Hardly an issue, except for the Hillary haters who are not exactly "fair and balanced".

Cellenin, New York NY.   August 30th, 2007 9:28 am ET

CNN = Clinton News Network. I am quite sure if this story was about any of the GOP candidates it would be glowing red hot on the front page with the latest breaking news update.

spinstopper   August 30th, 2007 9:24 am ET

Eactly which charity is she donating this political blood money to??

ReadBtwthlins   August 30th, 2007 9:22 am ET

Now that you caught me with my hand in the cookie jar, I will return this one cookie.

Hillary is the poster girl for the culture of corruption. The dems are going to lose again..

Maurice, Washington, DC   August 30th, 2007 9:17 am ET

Wow... aren't you guys tired yet? The more you attack Hillary, the more resilient she becomes. Get used to it people. She will get the nomination and she will be the next president. It kills me how you all fail to notice that Mr. Hsu gave money to a lot of other democratic candidates. This is not the first time. He gave $7000 to Barack Obama and money to John Kerry when he ran, Senator Charles Shumer of New York got some money, Diane Feinstein of California got some money also and a lot of other democratic candidates around the nation. He supports Democratic causes and not just Hillary so before you attack Hillary make sure you know the full story. If you are going to attack Hillary make sure you attack Obama as well and every other democratic candidate who has taken money from Mr. Hsu.

Dave Rochester NY   August 30th, 2007 9:14 am ET

Are you kidding me . Are You tellling me that no (R) has someone with a shaddy past giving them money. Give me a break so no polygamist is giving Romney any money.Not to mention as soon as the Clintons found this out they gave The money to charity. Not back to him.You people are so dead set against them its crazy when she does The right thing you still attack get a Life Bill Clinton was the best Prez in my life time.............

Kelley Texas   August 30th, 2007 9:09 am ET

How far does this go?

Whats the Chinese connection?

Buying secrets and favors maybe?

Jim, New York, NY   August 30th, 2007 9:06 am ET

There certainly are some high and mighty critics out there...I say let's take a closer look at all of the candidates' donations, Republican and Democrat...will those of you casting stones rise up in indignation if you find out that some sketchy characters have been donating to Romney's campaign??

Mark, Shreveport, LA   August 30th, 2007 9:04 am ET

Same thing Bill did when he was running for President and as President. Remember how many fund-raisers and administration officials pled the fifth or even fled the country during the Clinton admin?

roger, conway sc   August 30th, 2007 9:00 am ET

I find it hard to believe that there is or has been anything the Clintons have done that has not been investigated. Both have been under the radar for years by the GOP..If there is something illegal or wrong I do believe it would be more than just headlines...so I say Hillary is doing the right thing..I also feel CNN is the real fair & balanced network...

Patrick, Phoenix, Arizona   August 30th, 2007 8:44 am ET

CNN, why has this story been posted, not on your front page, but buried in your political page.

Yes, you are biased, CNN, no wonder most of Americans are fleeing your coverage and going to FOX News!

jane,NY   August 30th, 2007 8:20 am ET

I am not surprised...same old same old with the Clintons.

She will destroy the democratic party.

C. Bess, Atlanta, GA   August 30th, 2007 8:20 am ET

To those of you who seem incensed that this story was not more prominently featured – give me a break! Could it be that an Attorney General stepping down amid a myriad of scnadlaous and potentially criminal acts warranted a higher profile? Or possibly a city that two years after being devestated from hurrican Katrina while the Presidnet could not bring himslef to cut his vacation short, struggles to show any signs of rebuilding and recovery? Or maybe even the thousands of soldiers whose lives remain in danger due to a failed foreign policty by this administration? And yet, all you can do is complain that a story which may not shed a favorable light on someone with the last name Clinton isnt HEADLINE NEWS. Maybe you should check your priorities and re-direct some of your disbelief and anger.

Jake, Houston, Tx.   August 30th, 2007 7:55 am ET

I notice that the Hillary and Hsu scandall didn't even make it on CNN News Politic's Section. That just goes to prove how bias you are to Democrat's; however, the deal over Senator Craig is top of the charts.

Your organization needs to be more active in printing all articles, even if it implies that a Demo is having a major problem.

Does anyone believe that Hillary will donate/give back the money that she has received from an individual wanted for Grand Theft?? I don't...

Ed,Ellenville,New York   August 30th, 2007 6:51 am ET

Thank you!

Ed,Ellenville,New York   August 30th, 2007 6:50 am ET

So since this blog is to talk about Clinton,well, her husband cheated on her but they're still married.Guiliani is now on his third wife.Romney thinks cheating is equivalent to gay pedophilia.McCain opposes abortion except for his children.But since the catholic church may choose one of these losers in their illegal interference of our politics CNN will probably delete this.Which I will take as a confirmation that there is a catholic criminal conspiracy at work.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   August 30th, 2007 6:33 am ET

The Hillary bashers are so lame.This man was not an ewmployee,nor a lobbyist,nor a career criminal.Do you really expect a candidate to do a backround check on every donor?This story is dead unless someone comes up with any evidence of a quid pro quo.Sorry people,nothing to see here,much more scandal to gawk at with the republicans.

John Huang, Northampton, Massachusetts   August 30th, 2007 5:54 am ET

This Hsu works with Bernie Schwartz from Loral on the board of trustees at
The New School in New York. Bernie gave our missile secrets to China with the help of Bill and Hill after he gave a million dollars to the '96 campaign. These people make me sick.

Visit Chinagate:The Movie to learn more about the Clinton's affinity for illegal Chinese money.

Sam, Johnston. Iowa   August 30th, 2007 4:49 am ET

So good to see the koolaid drinking , hate radio, D student crowd has something new to whine about . Sorry kids. This is no Jack Abramoff story. Slimy campaign fund raising is best left to experts,IE Republicans.

Anonymous, outside the US   August 30th, 2007 2:26 am ET

To Myron from Hawaii.

Apologies, but I don't know the answers to your questions to be honest. However maybe you should check out the links between the Clintons and the Riyadi family – these could prove enlightening for you.

Alain   August 30th, 2007 12:30 am ET

Clinton is corrupted and nothing will change.Lobbyists??????????????????????

Myron, Honolulu, Hi   August 30th, 2007 12:12 am ET

That is NOT the kind of DIRTY MONEY that CORRUPTS our political system.

Why is it that corporations who may be owned by foreign investors can so strongly influence votes by our representatives [and senator who also represent US] and by the President [who also who also represent US] when they [foreign investors and corporations themselves] don’t have the RIGHT TO VOTE or the right to representation in Congress or in the White House?

Some small NON-POLITICAL crime somewhere else by a registered voter is of none to minimal consequence compared to the real deal, the REAL POLITICAL CORRUPTION from MONEY and INFLUENCE.

IF IT COMES FROM A CORPORATION IT’S NOT FROM A REGISTERED VOTER and may be from a FOREIGN CITIZEN, a foreign investor, maybe even a jihadist!

Earl, Ohio   August 30th, 2007 12:07 am ET

Since when did Hillary grow a conscience about from whom she receives money? After her comments about how much good lobbyists have done for America and how they represent everyday Americans, I'm surprised she would turn down cash from anyone.

Bush ... Clinton ... Bush ... Clinton ... 20 years so far, why not go for 28. Lord knows these have been fine, upstanding families over the years, with no conflicts of interest.

sunnysideofthefunnyfarm   August 29th, 2007 11:35 pm ET

Clinton's associated with criminals? NOOOO!!!!!!

Obama! '08

Blue State Demo   August 29th, 2007 11:12 pm ET

so if she knows where he is to return his money, then isn't she aiding and abetting a fugitive ?
that's a crime, no ?

I say arrest her
then she should resign, for the good of the party and the country

this is so embarassing that fellow Democrats are not demanding her resignation

after all, just look at the Republicans – at least the members of that party are asking the gay Senator to resign

Dave Olathe Kansas   August 29th, 2007 10:09 pm ET

It's amazing how far into this web site you have to go to even see anything on this story. For some reason it's not on the CNN main page. Thats odd CNN usually isn't that biased Ha Ha

Barbara, NY NY   August 29th, 2007 9:52 pm ET

The Clinton mafia demonstrates time and again they turn no one down when it comes to money and endorsments. So far, she's earned support from a communist dictator, a porn star, a pimp, and now a seedy wanted criminal. Class act!

Ed,Ellenville,New York   August 29th, 2007 9:09 pm ET

I don't think this reflects badly on Clinton,on face value,but it does highlight the need for publicly funded elections.Nobody likes the corrupting of politics with money.If there were any considerations for those contributions,there will be consequences.

Don Wilminton DE   August 29th, 2007 9:03 pm ET

I think she said she was going to donate her ill gotten donations to charity. I sure hope you will follow up on that and tell us who the recipient was.
PS
Really had to hunt for this article.

John Thomas, Edina, MN   August 29th, 2007 8:47 pm ET

Absolutely disgusting. The unethical, dishonest monster that is Hillary Clinton only 'donates' the contributions when they begin to fall under scrutiny. Appalling!

Claude, Mesa AZ   August 29th, 2007 8:37 pm ET

CNN, your headline is so biased and so bulls***. This man has been putting money in the Clintons pockets for years. So you make Billary out to be a saint again because her campaign decides to give it to charity and claim ignorance. The question should be, why was the money there in the first place. Just like why did Billary vote for the Iraq while ignoring key information at her disposal? I see a continual pattern with the Clintons and it's not good. They (she) continue to exercise poor judgement. Claiming ignorance is no excuse. Billary will not get my vote.

malclave, Long Beach, CA   August 29th, 2007 8:29 pm ET

What's the big deal? Obviously, he's just trying to get in early on the rush to buy pardons if Hillary is elected.

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   August 29th, 2007 8:17 pm ET

Here we go again with the Clintons!! Fundraising from the Chinese as her Bill and Al did (Charlie Tree, Buddhist Monks, etc).

Also... I hope CNN covers the story about the Pakistani that channeled $30,000 illegally to Hillary's campaign and then fled the country so as not to testify.

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