Jon Powers' Sweat Money – The Strip Club Problem
Mr. Powers has accepted multiple campaign contributions from Rick Snowden, a notorious strip club owner with establishments in both Erie and Monroe Counties. Mr. Snowden's profits come directly from the exploitation of women, mostly young women, and his "sweat money" has no place in progressive politics or the Democratic Party.
According to The Buffalo News "Not only has Powers accepted $7,000 from Snowden and his Rick's Tally-Ho "gentleman's cabaret" in Cheektowaga, but Snowden co-hosted a fundraising event for him On June 3, 2008 at the private Saturn Club in Buffalo.
Anne Weidman, co-chair of Women for Davis sent Powers a letter, urging him to return the funds. "If you truly wish to lead by example, you should return Mr. Snowden's three contributions and pledge to never accept campaign funds from those who profit from cultural misogyny and the exploitation of vulnerable young women."
But Powers campaign spokesman John Gerken said "the candidate has no plans to return the money." In fact, in Mr. Powers' latest campaign finance filing, Mr. Snowden contributed another $550 to Mr. Powers, and has now maxed out in the Democratic primary.
So who is Rick Snowden, other than a strip club owner? Turns out he is a lifelong Republican, with a long history of Republican activism, and deep pockets to fund GOP candidates. And like most Republicans, he of course values and honors our flag...