Politics Eyman Better Hope Dunmire is a Homophobe
Woodinville businessman Michael Dunmire’s contributions to Tim Eyman’s last initiative campaign accounted for about 70% of the money Eyman raised. Dunmire, an executive with the investment firm Benchmark Plus Partners, which manages investment funds for institutional and individual wealthy investors, kicked in $490,000 directly to Eyman’s I-900, the audit initiative. Dunmire dropped another $100,000 to the political committee, Help Us Help Taxpayers, which contributed handsomely to the campaign as well. That’s $590,000.
Early in the I-900 campaign, when Dunmire had “only” given about 200K, but was clearly emerging as Eyman’s sugar daddy, Dunmire told David Ammons of the AP:
“I’m 60 years old and have been very successful in business and wanted to do something to give back to the community.”
Hopefully, Dunmire doesn’t think Eyman’s new initiative—which would allow discrimination against gays in housing, employment, insurance and credit—is a way to give back to the community. Take back from the community, would be more like it.
I hate to say it, but I'm willing to bet there are enough motivated bigots on this issue that Eyman might just be able to get a referendum on the ballot with volunteers. If not, he'll probably be able to raise lots of small donations to funds getting it before voters if necessary.
Sad, but true, I'm afraid.