Sponsors of the upcoming snoozefests have been under pressure not to support the debates unless Gary Johnson and Jill Stein are invited to participate. As a result Phillips Electronics, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) New York, and YWCA have decided to drop their sponsorships of the debates.
As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, we have decided to withdraw our sponsorship effective immediately.
- Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., CEO YWCA
The Commision on Presidential Debates (CPD) is run by the Democrat and Republican parties. Their sole purpose is to keep third party candidates out of the debates. When this became apparent in 1988 the League of Women Voters pulled their support of Presidential Debates and haven't sponsored a Presidential Debates since 1984.
We respect all points of view and, as a result, want to ensure that Philips doesn't provide even the slightest appearance of supporting partisan politics. As such, no company funds have been or will be used to support the Commission on Presidential Debates. - Phillips Electronics
Last week Gary Johnson filed a lawsuit agains the CPD alleging anti-trust violations. His lawsuit "maintains that the Republican and Democratic Parties, through the CPD, indefensibly limit access of other candidates to the marketplace of ideas and the opportunity to be employed in these highest offices in the land, and in so doing are violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890."
Seven sponsors are left:
Southwest Airlines
Here is the mailing address:
Southwest Airlines
P.O. Box 36647-1CR
Dallas, Texas 75235
Crowell & Moring LLP
At Crowell – Moring LLC, the Chairman is Kent A. Gardiner and his email is
Sheldon S. Cohen, Esq.
800-390-3277
The Howard G. Buffet Foundation
402-556-6641
http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org/media/media-relations
Anheuser-Busch Companies
800-342-5283
http://contactus.anheuser-busch.com/contactus/ab/contact_us.asp
International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)
703-683-5213
http://www.bottledwater.org/contact
The Kovler Fund
aka Marjorie Kovler Research Fellowship
c/o John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125
617-514-1624
617-514-1625 Fax
Email: