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Superdelegates Rejected $1M 'Deal' From Clinton Donor

Billionaire offered Young Dems big bucks to back Clinton, say sources

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2008 4:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – A billionaire Clinton backer offered to donate a million bucks to the Democratic Party's unofficial youth arm if its two uncommitted superdelegates endorsed his candidate, sources told the Huffington Post. Entertainment mogul Haim Saban allegedly made his million-dollar proposal to the Young Democrats of America just before the Indiana and North Carolina primaries.

Saban flatly denies making any offer and says he had never offered anybody any money in return for the vote. YDA members say the offer was turned down, although the cash amounted to a third of their yearly budget and they worried about the consequences of crossing the influential donor. A group official said it was rejected on moral grounds—and because most of their members favor Barack Obama. One of the group's uncommitted delegates has since come out for Obama.

US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former US President Bill Clinton talk with Moshe Kazav and Haim Saban in the King David Hotel on November 12, 2005 in Jerusalem, Israel.
US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former US President Bill Clinton talk with Moshe Kazav and Haim Saban in the King David Hotel on November 12, 2005 in Jerusalem, Israel.   (Getty Images)
Billionaire Israeli-American entertainment mogul Haim Saban is seen in this 2004 file photo.
Billionaire Israeli-American entertainment mogul Haim Saban is seen in this 2004 file photo.   (Getty Images)
Haim Saban, seen here at a Lakers game, allegedly offered a Democratic youth group $1 million to send its two uncommitted superdelegates Clinton's way.
Haim Saban, seen here at a Lakers game, allegedly offered a Democratic youth group $1 million to send its two uncommitted superdelegates Clinton's way.   (Getty Images)
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