According to a campaign finance report IndyAustin filed on Oct. 22, Epstein gave $24,000 to the PACGETTY IMAGES
Circuit of the Americas Chair BOBBY EPSTEIN has "pulled all financial support from the political action committee IndyAustin after the PAC posted a political ad that featured a symbol associated with the alt-right and anti-Semitism," according to a front-page piece by Philip Jankowski of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. IndyAustin is "opposed to a recent deal" between Precourt Sports Ventures and the city to build an MLS stadium on the city-owned McKalla Place tract in North Austin. Last week, IndyAustin posted a "campaign video to the internet that opposed STEVE ADLER's re-election as Austin’s mayor." According to the Anti-Defamation League, the video "included an image of Pepe the Frog, a cartoonish character that has been featured in anti-Semitic and racist internet memes and literature." The video has since been "edited to remove the image." Until yesterday, Epstein had "supported IndyAustin’s efforts to force a vote on the city’s stadium deal with PSV through a citizen petition." According to a campaign finance report IndyAustin filed on Oct. 22, Epstein "gave $24,000 to the PAC" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 10/30).
HIGH PROFILE: In L.A., Angel Jennings in a front-page piece notes the Inglewood mayoral race has become a "contentious fight not just between political rivals but also between some bold-face names with sway far outside the city limits." On one side is incumbent JAMES BUTTS JR., who is "generating support and money" from the Clippers -- an NBA franchise he "hopes to bring to Inglewood," as well as celebrities including SNOOP DOGG and SHAQUILLE O'NEAL. On the other side is clergyman MARC LITTLE, who supporters include former boxer SHANE MOSLEY (L.A. TIMES, 10/30).
SWOOSH RACE: In N.Y., Kirk Johnson notes Oregon Gov. KATE BROWN finds herself "facing a serious challenge from a Republican as she seeks re-election." Brown’s vulnerability in a "divided but decidedly Democratic-leaning state has puzzled voters on both sides of the political spectrum, and especially women." Brown's opponent, KNUTE BUEHLER, has had an "influential supporter" in Nike co-Founder & Chair Emeritus PHIL KNIGHT. He gave $2.5M to the Buehler campaign, "more than" 20% of its total (N.Y. TIMES, 10/29).
