July/August 2004 | Mother Jones
DOLING OUT diplomatic posts is a time-honored way for presidents to repay political patrons. But by awarding ambassadorships to 19 Pioneers—supporters who raised at least $100,000 for his 2000 campaign—George W. Bush, a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers, has been in a league of his own. His choices include five big-league execs. Here, the baseball bunch. —Benjamin Leslie
|
: Spain. 2001 – present. |
$123,000 |
Former owner of Seattle Mariners. |
No Spanish. |
|
: Switzerland 2001 – 2003. Called back to become Bush 2004 finance chair. |
$373,173 |
Co-owner of Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals. |
No German or Italian. Only basic French. A.k.a. “Fundraiser-in-Chief.” |
|
|
$415,830 |
Co-owner of St. Louis Cardinals. |
No French. No Flemish. |
|
: Belgium. Four days in 2003. |
$275,000 |
Co-owner of Texas Rangers. |
Appointed, but never showed due to divorce proceedings. |
|
: Czech Republic. 2001 – 2003. Returned to fundraise for Bush 2004. |
$60,500 |
Former co-owner of Texas Rangers. Married to Bush cousin, Dorothy. |
Czech 101. Reportedly walked out and slammed door on Czech prime minister during Iraq war rift. |
