NY Senators Return Michael Malik's Campaign Contributions

Published by Newsday.com on 10.13.2010

7th S.D.: Sens. Johnson, Klein to return Malik contributions

By Reid Epstein

Yesterday we wrote about Detroit developer Michael Malik's donations to Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton). Turns out Malik -- who is partnering with the Shinnecock tribe to develop a Long Island casino, paid a fine for not reporting California political donations and paid to settle a federal case involving an insolvent company in which he'd invested -- also gave $3,500 to state Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) and $2,500 to state Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx).

Johnson spokesman Rich Azzopardi said the campaign this morning wrote a check to Malik returning the money. "We sent it back earlier today," he said. "After we saw your post, we checked our records and we cut a check this morning."

Klein spokesman Austin Shafran said the fourth-ranking Senate Democrat will also be returning his contribution.

Note: Click CA-FPPC for details about Michael J. Malik's campaign finance violations in California.

Also See: 
-Congressman Bishop Under Fire For Accepting Michael Malik's Contribution
-Questions Surrounding $15K Gov. Cuomo Accepted From Detroit Casino Syndicator

Congressman Bishop Under Fire For Accepting Michael Malik's Contribution

Published by Newsday.com on 10.13.2010

Breaking News: Bishop Donor Mixed Up With Casinos, Illegal Contributions

By Reid Epstein

Tim Bishop campaign donor Michael Malik, a Detroit developer, is a partner with the Shinnecock indian tribe seeking to develop a Long Island casino and in 2009 Malik was found guilty and fined $4,000 by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to disclose 17 campaign contributions during the 2006 cycle.

In 2008, Malik was charged in a Florida federal court with being involved in a $2.1 million fraudulent transfer stemming from a Securities and Exchange Commission Ponzi scheme case against an entertainment promoter named John P. Utsick. Malik settled the case with a $170,000 payment on the $620,000 he received from the scheme.

Malik, federal campaign finance records show, gave a max contribution of $2,400 to Bishop for Congress in 2009.

We asked Bishop campaign spokesman Audrey Kubetin about Malik earlier this afternoon and are waiting to hear back from her. Bishop and Republican opponent Randy Altschuler are to debate tomorrow morning at News 12…

Also See: 
-NY Senators Return Michael Malik's Campaign Contributions
-Questions Surrounding $15K Gov. Cuomo Accepted From Detroit Casino Syndicator

FPPC Investigations