Connerly the Extremist

Connerly is the right-wing’s face of the effort to end affirmative action programs, but who’s behind his effort?

His efforts have the support of the controversial group United for a Sovereign America, whose members are affiliated with neo-Nazi groups.  

The Michigan chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens and the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan both actively encouraging their members to vote in favor of the 2006 Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. Ward Connerly had his picture taken shaking the hand of Michigan Council of Conservative Citizens leader John Raterink (Raterink has also subscribed to the newspaper of the neo-nazi National Alliance.

 

In 2006, Connerly said “God bless” the KKK for their support of his divisive initiative in Michigan.

You can tell a lot about Connerly by the company he keeps: racist, white supremacist leaders and groups, and extreme right wing funders.

Connerly Supporters

  • David Duke highlighted on his website, Connerly’s victory in Michigan and support from John Raterink, the director of a white supremacist group, pictured with him.
  • Peter D. Schaeffer, a board member and donor of his nonprofit, advocates for a total moratorium on immigration.
  • Paul Singer, a New York “vulture fund” banker is a longtime supporter for Connerly and contributor the 2004 Swift Boat campaign. Singer preys on financially distressed countries in Latin America and Africa and has contributed $250,000 to Connerly’s non-profit and $50,000 to his effort in Nebraska.
  • John Uhlmann, is chairman of a Kansas City-based construction, general contracting and development company. He is also a board member and longstanding supporter who has close associations with Americas PAC, a 527 group accused of running voter suppression ads targeted at African Americans.
  • In Missouri, it was reported that Connerly recruiting efforts included a racist group from California, the Minutemen.
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