Earlier this year, Target was in the middle of a political firestorm when it was discovered that the company (along with Best Buy) sent $150,000 to MN Forward, a Minnesota political action committee (PAC) that was backing anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. The heat became so intense that eventually Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel sent a letter of apology to his employees.
However, it seems that the corporate giant is still making donations to anti-gay organizations and individuals. The Huffington Post has reported that $31,200 of the $41,200 Target allotted to federal elections went to anti-gay politicians or political action committees backing those candidates. For example, Kelly Ayotte—who resigned her post to protest the legalization of marriage equality and same-sex adoption—received $1,000.
On the other hand, as previously indicated, a few pro-LGBT individuals received funds. For example, Target PAC gave $1,000 to Chuck Schumer. Closer to home, Center on Halsted Executive Director Modesto “Tico” Valle has confirmed that Target has been a corporate sponsor of the facility, having provided a $15,000 program grant last year. Valle added that the center has to apply annually, and that the money is not guaranteed.
Incidentally, Emmer recently conceded the governor’s race to DLF candidate Mark Dayton, who begins his term Jan. 3, 2011.