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Report: Fiesta Bowl employees paid politicians

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Updated Dec 18, 2009 8:52 PM ET
     
 
Employees of the Fiesta Bowl made contributions to politicians friendly to the bowl, including some that may violate law, according to a report in The Arizona Republic.

The report, citing unidentified employees, said the workers were told to write checks to particular candidates and were later reimbursed by the Fiesta Bowl. This behavior would be in violation of state and federal laws that ban sending corporate campaign contributions through individuals, the report said. Those involved could potentially face misdemeanor and felony charges.

"If employees are giving contributions and they were being reimbursed, it's illegal, and it's something we definitely would review," state elections director Amy Bjelland said, according to the report.

John Junker, the Fiesta Bowl's chief executive, said employees never were reimbursed and the bowl did not organize any donations.

Over $38,000 in contributions have been made to campaigns since 2000 by 14 Fiesta Bowl employees, the report said.

Acting on a tip, the Republic contacted 10 past and present Fiesta Bowl employees who have had "high-level" positions with the bowl. Five said they made contributions and were reimbursed. The other five said they made contributions without being reimbursed.

The Fiesta Bowl is the youngest of the four BCS bowls and officials fear that its status may not be secure in the long-term. The bowl has spent $4 million — legally — since 2000, building relationships with COLLEGE FOOTBALL officials and garnering support from politicians, the report said.

This year's Fiesta Bowl is Jan. 4, between TCU and Boise State.

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