Aside from all of his investments, Mitt Romney also received speakers fees, as he traveled the country. When he admitted last week that was part of his income, which contributed to his 6 figure earnings. This caused his foes to seize the opportunity by saying he was out of touch with Americans but there’s another reason for him to downplay the payments, which totaled to $374,000 for nine speeches in 2010—an average of $41,592 per appearance. By the way, is two rivals Newt Gingrich reported receiving a total of $21,625 in speaking fees and Rick Santorum reported none.
Here’s a summary of both Romney and Gingrich’s monetary gains from these speaking events:
Mitt Romeny>
Quest Educational Foundation (Naples, Florida)
$35,771
This is an educational nonprofit that offers tutoring and test-prep services, Quest also has a political side. C.E. Dekko Jr., is an executive with Group Dekko, a multinational manufacturing company that makes everything from truck parts to medical devices. Over the years he has donated $167,297 to political candidates and parties, almost all of it to Libertarians and Republicans. Mother Jones
Riverside Theatre – gave $20,000
While traveling to sell his book, Romney typically spoke to crowds for free. But he was so popular in conservative, affluent Vero Beach that the local theater decided to charge for tickets and give Romney a cut.
Claremont McKenna College $11,475
Previously, he had spoken for free but he was brought to Claremont McKenna through the university’s Pacesetters Fellowship Program, which “attracts leaders in business, academia, and public affairs” by giving them money.
Get Motivated Seminars $29,750
The company makes money both from ticket sales and by letting pitchmen hawk personal improvement and get-rich-quick products during the interludes between the star speakers”—including the likes of Zig Ziglar, Brett Favre, and Sarah Palin. Mother Jones
HP Healthcare Services $32,831
Clark Consulting $66,000
GoldenTree Asset Management $68,000
International Franchise Association $68,000
Barclays Bank $42,500
Now on to the money made by Newt Gingrich:
John Locke Foundation $18,500
American Family Association $6,000 which is an estimate
For claiming to not need the money, he sure took it didn’t he? Now this brings to mind the continuing fact of just how childish politics has become, and to what lengths each candidate with go to just to achieve power. And all parties are the same. The only difference here, is that Democrats and Republicans fear Newt, as he will try and put a stop to how Washington does business, something I might add, the Obamanut promised to do when first elected to office in 2008, but failed to do. Once there, he was consumed with the power the presidential office holds. But we must remember it’s the American voters who decide runs the country.
