Hillary Only Top-Tier Dem To Receive Wal-Mart Money

Senator Hillary Clinton, D-NY, received nearly $13,000 in campaign donations during the third quarter from Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world and a frequent target of Democratic ire.

Among the party's presidential frontrunners, Clinton was the sole recipient of donations from Wal-Mart executives. The $12,900 she received came from senior offices, such as Thomas Hyde, public relations officials, like George Shelton, as well as other directors for the retail giant.

The Senator's office did not return a call for comment.

Democrats on the campaign trail have repeatedly criticized Wal-Mart for providing its workers with substandard wages and health care benefits. Clinton too has been a critic. During her 2006 Senate reelection campaign she returned $5,000 to the Wal-Mart's political action committee, citing "serious differences with current company practices." More recently, in an April 2007 debate hosted by NBC's Brian Williams, Clinton called the company a mixed blessing.

"They have raised serious questions about the responsibility of corporations and how they need to be a leader when it comes to providing health care and having safe working conditions and not discriminating on the basis of sex or race or any other category," the New York Senator said.

Clinton does have long political ties to the retail giant. She served on Wal-Mart's board from 1986 to 1992, and was close with the company's founding family, the Waltons. Prior to the third quarter, Clinton's presidential campaign had received only a $500 donation from George Shelton a Wal-Mart Executive, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.