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Activision CEO Bobby Kotick quietly donated to GOP super PAC

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CEO of Activision Blizzard Bobby Kotick arrives for the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 06, 2021 in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images

ActivisionBobby Kotick, CEO of a secret company, quietly donated to a committee supporting a Republican ex-hedge fund chief’s U.S. Senate campaign in Pennsylvania.

A Federal Election Commission filing shows that the 807080A limited liability company donated $100,000 New Year’s Day to Honor Pennsylvania Inc.. The donation was made in support of former Bridgewater CEO Dave McCormick.

That document lists the California address for the LLC as identical to that listed on Kotick’s tax forms. This foundation is known as the 803011 Foundation.

The address matches that on FEC filings, showing Kotick’s contributions to different campaigns as recent as September 2021. This includes donations supporting Senator Todd Young, R.Iowa, and Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer. Each of the lawmakers is up for reelection by 2022.

Kotick may not have used the LLC before to help fund Republican causes. A donation was made from the same company but with a California address by the Republican Governors Association in 2014. An LLC contributed $150,000 together to the group that was dedicated to Republican gubernatorial elections.

Data from CRP shows that Kotick’s LLC never has been used to finance any other campaigns, or political action committees. According to data from CRP, this donation by Kotick’s LLC to the pro McCormick PAC would be the highest amount that Kotick has ever given to a campaign of a political committee.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin also donated $5 million to pro-McCormick PAC. Rich donors such as conservative tech investor Peter Thiel or liberal businessman George Soros have spent money on candidates to support them ahead of the midterm elections.

As they fund their candidates, donors often create LLCs to disguise their identity. Real estate executiveStephen Rosenberg, after many years supporting Democrats, used a shell firm to support then-President Donald Trump.

Kotick’s spokesperson confirmed that some executive’s investments are managed by the company and said that Kotick supports McCormick.

The company was founded in 2008, and it manages some Mr. Kotick’s investments. “Mr. Kotick supports David McCormick and contributes to Democratic or Republican candidates,” Mark Herr, a spokesperson for CNBC, said in an email Tuesday.

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Through the LLC, a donation was made to McCormick’s super PAC after reportsActivision Blizzard’s allegations of sexual misconduct. This contribution was received just weeks after Microsoft had announced that it would be moving. buyActivision has reached a $68.7 Billion deal with Activision. Microsoft anticipates that the deal will close in a year-and-a half.

The Wall Street JournalAccording to reports, Kotick knew of the allegations but didn’t always inform the board. Activision Blizzard’s spokeswoman stated at that time Kotick wouldn’t have been informed about every misconduct report at each Activision Blizzard Company, and he would likely not be updated on any personnel issues.

Kotick has donated to Republicans as well as Democrats. However, the majority of his major contributions to Republicans have been to GOP hopefuls. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics data shows that Kotick contributed at least $50,000 for America Leads. It is a super PAC which supported former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Chris Christie was running for the presidency in 2016.

The pro-McCormick PAC supports the former Hedge Fund boss in a Republican primary for the vacant seat now held by Sen. Pat Toomey R-Pa., who is retiring. Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor is running for the GOP primary.

McCormick hired former President Donald Trump’s aides, Hope Hicks, and Stephen Miller. His campaign ran an ad during the Super BowlIt used the “Let’s go Brandon” slogan that conservatives used to mock President Joe Biden.

Oz seems to be trying build relationships with both Senate Republicans (led by Trump rival Mitch McConnell) and the former President.

The Republican winner could face Democratic Lieutenant Governor. John Fetterman is expected to win the general election.

This is the race that has been the most difficult to win in the midterm elections of 2022.

Advertising tracking company Medium BuyingReports that more than $30 Million has been spent on Pennsylvania’s Republican Primary Battle for Senate Seat, with millions of dollars by the pro McCormick super PAC.



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