The government has eased Clinton-era oil and gas drilling restrictions on a large tract of desert grassland in New Mexico in a decision that benefits a large Republican donor in the state.
The donor, George Yates, says his contributions and fund-raising assistance to Vice President Dick Cheney had nothing to do with the decision.
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Cheney participated in a political fund-raiser hosted by Yates in 2002, and Yates has made over $90,000 in personal campaign donations over the past five years, almost all to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political donations.
"I'd give to more Democrats if I really wanted to buy influence," Yates said of his political donations. "CEOs of large corporations that are worried about access give to both, but I don't play that game. I give to people who represent my political philosophy and as a result, I stand to be criticized."
Yates Petroleum, an oil and gas company controlled by relatives of Yates, contributed over $100,000 in the 2002 elections, making it the No. 1 donor in New Mexico, according to the center.
"My uncles and cousins don't have an interest in Otero Mesa on federal lands and I have no ownership in Yates Petroleum," George Yates responded.
Steven Griles, the No. 2 official at the Interior Department, once lobbied for Yates Petroleum, but "that has nothing to do with me or Otero Mesa," Yates said. |
