05/27/2009
Gavin Newsom to Return $25K Contribution from Savage Family
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will return a $25,000 campaign contribution from Russell Weiner, CEO of Rockstar Energy Drinks and the son of homophobic racist radio host Michael Savage:
"...the move...comes after a progressive activist
in San Francisco, Aaron Baldwin, asked the Newsom campaign to reject
the May 11, 2009 contribution of $25,000 from Russell Weiner, the CEO
of Rockstar Energy Drinks.
The company which was founded in Nevada in 2001 promotes a popular
energy beverage -- but is a family business, charges Baldwin. Janet
Weiner, the wife of Savage -- real name, Michael Weiner -- is the chief
financial officer for both Savage Productions and Rockstar, documents
show. Baldwin told us he contacted Eric Jaye, the Newsom campaign
consultant, to inform him of a campaign called "The Truth About
Rockstar.'' He said 10,000 have already signed up on Facebook to now
promote a boycott of the energy drink based on Savage's alleged links
with the brand."
Savage told the SF Chronicle: "I had nothing to do with the founding or creation of Rockstar. These are my political enemies, trying to hurt me through my son. [It's a] McCarthyesque smear campaign.''
UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith recently announced that Michael Savage was banned from entering the UK over his inflammatory, violence-inciting hate speech.
Posted 9:00 AM EST by Andy Towle in California, Gavin Newsom, Michael Savage, News, Russell Weiner | Permalink
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How about boycotting it because it's revolting crap that people shouldn't be putting into their bodies?
But okay sure... I'll boycott because of the racism and homophobia too.
Posted by: The Milkman | May 27, 2009 9:12:07 AM
I'd like to know more about why Rockstar would give so much money to Newsom; even as governor he wouldn't have much to do with its regulation or success. I hate Michael Savage and energy drinks alike, but there's a fair chance that the son isn't the father (not to mention that Savage will change his opinion to match whoever's paying him). Gay or liberal kids happen in the best of conservative families---just ask Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich, Phyillis Schafley, John McCain, Robert Mosbacher...this list could go on quite a while.
Posted by: Paul R | May 27, 2009 9:17:38 AM
McCarthyesque? It's called a free market.
Plus, as noted above, it's toxic swill.
Posted by: LD | May 27, 2009 9:18:26 AM
When the CEO and founder of Rockstar DENOUNCE the anti equality comments of their famous family member (who obviously bankrolled the business start-up - from the profits of his hate show) === then they can complain if they are not forgiven. Not until.
Posted by: Ralph | May 27, 2009 9:27:00 AM
I'm glad to see the light of truth shining once again on the hateful Rockstar brand. I was recently in Los Angeles and was so disappointed to see Rockstar advertisements plastered nearly everywhere I looked.
Posted by: JohnInManhattan | May 27, 2009 9:27:57 AM
It doesn't appear that Russell inherited Savage's outward ugliness by looking at the two.. Maybe he hasn't gotten any of the ugliness inside either?
Posted by: Chuck | May 27, 2009 9:43:15 AM
that is so typical of right-wing zealots. they spew hate like a skunk spews stink, but, when push comes to shove, it's all about victimization. "oh, but i am a x'tian, oh, but i am a good person", they bleat. it reminds me of a ditty that my niece used to sing when she was six: nobody likes me; everybody hates me; that's why i eat worms. how pathetic is it that the small wiener would try to cover his ass under the pretext of outrage? sometimes, what you say comes back to bite you in the ass. this is one wiener i would never touch.
Posted by: nic | May 27, 2009 10:15:46 AM
Also, what could be better than taking the money and using it for good instead of giving it back to them to use for evil-doing? But, I could just be naïve.
Posted by: NoSleep4Sam | May 27, 2009 10:28:42 AM
Heh, my sympathy knows no place from which to start.
Posted by: Darren | May 27, 2009 10:54:44 AM
The ties between Savage and Rockstar are indisputable and deep, but I don't understand why Weiner Jr. would give money to Newsom. And I'd trust Newsom to do better things with that money than the Savage Nation so I say the mayor should keep it.
Posted by: Enrik | May 27, 2009 11:13:49 AM
@ PAUL R and others who might want to give Russell Weiner the benefit of the doubt: The website H8star.com reports that, at a Rockstar sponsored music event, Russell took to the stage to yell to the crowd, “Who’s heterosexual and proud…? If you’re not, hopefully you will be soon!”
It is also worth noting that Russell Weiner co-founded The Paul Revere Society with his bigoted father. The organization's primary goal is to stop immigration of brown, yellow and black people into this country, but they also oppose affirmative action and marriage equality.
The only difference between the older Weiner (aka, Michael Savage) and the younger Weiner is that one has a radio show from which to spew his hate.
Posted by: peterparker | May 27, 2009 11:32:44 AM
McCarthyesque? Coming from witchhunter? Puhleeze. He's just a weiner whiner.
Posted by: woodroad34 | May 27, 2009 11:50:40 AM
wait, is this the same Rockstar as the videogame company? If so then then I highly doubt that homophobia is part of their ethos
Posted by: Salome | May 27, 2009 1:26:42 PM
I thought Savage and his ilk liked McCarthy.
Posted by: Matt | May 27, 2009 1:51:28 PM
Typical overreaction by my liberal "progressive" bros and sisters. Um, should we visit the sins of the father onto the son? Michael Savage is an asshole, 'tis true, but is his son? I'm sure there are other ways to "hit back" at The Savage Asshole without getting his in the crosshairs. Dumb, dumb move.
Posted by: mike | May 27, 2009 2:31:07 PM
Why give back the money though?
Use the right's own money against them. Donate the $25,000 to a LGBT legal fund, PAC, or if you're really desparate (sigh) HRC.
Posted by: John | May 27, 2009 2:49:59 PM
I shoplift Rockstar drinks whenever I can...Fook the Weiners
Posted by: mike shackleford | May 27, 2009 4:28:18 PM
It's funny that anyone who hates Michael Savage calls him Weiner, like that's an insult. That is his real name you morons.
3rd grade humor at it's best.
Posted by: rob | May 27, 2009 5:23:36 PM
Company makes campaign contribution for whatever reason(s)
Politician decides it's too hot to handle and gives it back to avoid, in his or her view, being 'tarnished'
The above happens EVERYDAY....NOTHING unusual about it.
ALL hardcore political/social ideologues and political campaigns engage in dubious shenanigans; ditto non-hardcore ideological centralists campaigns.
NOBODY is pure and it's laughable to hear some hardcore ideologues, left or right, whine about how they've been bested or how 'those people' are playing 'dirty'; truly the pot calling the kettle black.
Posted by: hard_skinny_punk | May 27, 2009 10:42:00 PM
@ROB,
wiener is the one running from his name. we are embracing it. you are the moron.
Posted by: nic | May 28, 2009 1:37:00 AM
"It's funny that anyone who hates Michael Savage calls him Weiner, like that's an insult. That is his real name you morons."
I think most people are aware that it is his real name. But he obviously didn't originally want people to know that, or he wouldn't have picked such a rough-and-tumble name like "Savage." If you don't think calling this turd "The Savage Weiner" is funny, there is something wrong with your sense of humor.
Posted by: Jamie in Las Vegas | Jul 10, 2009 1:20:47 PM