Names in the News: Norman Hsu


 

Publication Date: August 2007

Publisher: National Institute on Money in State Politics (U.S.)

Author(s): Scott Jordan

Research Area: Politics

Type: Report

Abstract:

Despite fleeing justice in California for over 15 years, Norman Hsu has managed to contribute more than $336,000 to state-level Democratic party committees and candidates, as well as to two ballot measure campaigns since 2004.

Hsu, a New York based apparel executive, pleaded no contest in 1991 to grand theft after raising more than $1 million dollars from investors for a phony latex glove business. Hsu accepted a three-year sentence in 1991, but skipped his sentencing hearing and has been a fugitive ever since.

Considered a Democratic rainmaker, Hsu is a well-known donor to federal and state-level Democratic candidates. Since 2004, Hsu has given over $250,000 on the federal level. The $336,000 given to state Democratic candidates, party committees and ballot measures was spread across 18 states.