Election 2004: Local couple gives millions to progressive causes Election 2004: Local couple gives millions to progressive causes (October 27, 2004)

By Marjorie Mader
Almanac Staff Writer

Deborah and Andy Rappaport put their money where their mouths are when it comes to supporting their progressive political beliefs and the effort to elect Sen. John Kerry president.

Among the country's largest donors to so-called 527 political committees, the local couple even involved themselves in the recent controversy over the Sinclair Broadcasting Group's plan to require its 62 television stations to air an anti-Kerry film during prime time, less than two weeks before the election.

And they're not shy about their activism.

"We have given or pledged over $7 million to progressive organizations, including all the new soft-money 527s, PACs (Political Action Committees) and candidates' committees" so far this election year, said Deborah Rappaport, who is president of the Portola Valley School District governing board.

The Rappaports, who live on Skyline, rank fourth in the nation for their donations to 527 committees, placing them just two notches below high-profile political spender and Kerry-backer George Soros, according to the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, which cited the nonpartisan Center for Responsible Politics. Named after section 527 of the tax code, these committees allow unlimited donations to promote issues and voter turnout.

The Rappaports have taken a venture capitalist approach to political giving by supporting and nurturing risky startups -- such as Music for America and New Democratic Network -- that encourage Latinos and young adults to register to vote and support Democratic candidates.

Andy Rappaport is a partner in the venture-capital firm August Capital in Menlo Park. Ms. Rappaport's interests include education, politics and art. She is board president of the San Jose Museum of Art.

Last week, the Rappaports confronted the Sinclair Broadcast Group over its decision to air "Stolen Honor" -- a film highly critical of Sen. Kerry -- over its 62 television stations.

"Andy woke up from a deep sleep October 15 with the idea of making a compelling offer to Sinclair" to provide the means to balance the coverage of its Kerry program, said Ms. Rappaport. They offered Sinclair $1million, in addition to the value of 60 minutes of prime time to reach an equivalent audience, plus any fines and penalties that might be charged for pre-empting other network shows, she said.

The Rappaports purchased the rights to the film version of "Going Upriver, the Long War of John Kerry" and paid the cost of editing it to 42 minutes, the same length as "Stolen Honor."

On October 20, Sinclair's corporate attorney responded to the Rappaports that Sinclair has a policy of not selling blocks of prime television time, and that the firm was planning to put together "a balanced news show" about Sen. Kerry, said Ms. Rappaport.

"That's fine; we'll be watching the show Friday night (October 22)," was Ms. Rappaport's response to the attorney.

"If they do live up to their journalistic responsibilities, we will be pleased," she said. "If they don't, they'll hear from us."

The Rappaports did not have a chance to see the program (there are no Sinclair affiliates in the local market), but from all reports, Ms. Rappaport said, "The program was pretty toothless. It's time to move on to other issues."

Ms. Rappaport said their three teenage daughters are getting involved in the campaign. "They know they get their mom back after November 3."

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