Chefs Love Democrats? The Top 15 Chef Political Donations

It's a presidential election year, and the sexiest topic this cycle is campaign finance.  With the national conversation tuned to Super PACs, the staggering income disparities between major donors and the rest of America, and Wolfgang Puck's appearance at the $15 million Obama bash headlined by George Clooney, The Braiser wanted to know: how do celebrity chefs support political candidates?  With fancy dinners?  With non-connected joint expenditure committees?  With hundred dollar bills baked into pies and delivered to campaign headquarters?

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We dug through the Federal Election Commission's individual filings, as well as POLITICO's old trash, to find the chefs who have donated the most to either party -- either through individual donations, or via fundraising and bundling efforts.  Here are the top 15 -- though it's worth noting that overall, the total amount donated by numbers 15 through 5 are obliterated by Nos. 4 through 1.  Hooray for campaign finance laws!

More From The Braiser:
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Anthony Bourdain On Why The Best Celebrity Chefs Just 'Don't Give A F*ck'
They're Coming For Our Kids: 5 Children's Books Written By Food Network Stars

 

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Comments

[krayoncolorz]

05:42 PM on 05/25/2012

There was a study out recently that liberals are more likely to try new food. I would guess that would mean we are more adventurous and that chefs love us for that haha

[GraphicMatt]

10:10 AM on 05/23/2012

I think any Republicans that are upset by this should stop eating in protest. That'll show those left leaning chefs. : )

[cerdayes]

07:42 PM on 05/22/2012

final score was 15-1 in favor of Dems, ha ha ha!

[jozie]

06:58 PM on 05/22/2012

Yum Brands and all their lousy fast food supports Romney, while the real chefs support Obama. That sounds about right.

[dwwill]

06:36 PM on 05/22/2012

Thats what I call fat cats giving to fat cats.

[Ampoliros]

07:10 PM on 05/22/2012

LOL! I get it!

[revblueroof]

06:23 PM on 05/22/2012

So chefs actually contribute to politicians just like other citizens, big deal the fact they they are in the hopitality industry, that is used for fund raisers, does not exempt them from their right to be politically active.
The list I would like to see is one that has the biggest contributtions, both direct and to super PACS from the oil industry. You know that group which gets financial assistance from the government, charge outlandish prices at the pump, and make billions in profits annually. Including the ones involved in supporting the pipline from Canada, which will make them millions and raise gas prices. Now that should be an interesting list, and I am sure the numbers will dawarf the figures on this list.

[rinman9]

05:35 PM on 05/22/2012

Thanks for the info. I will never watch their shows or darken the doors of their eateries again.

[PuSencer]

05:46 PM on 05/22/2012

though i won't agree with your politics, that is exactly how our system is supposed to work. i vote with my pocketbook, too

[ddemos]

06:45 PM on 05/22/2012

like you ever did? Hilarious Rin tin tin...

[tef59]

05:22 PM on 05/22/2012

Well, I'm an AWESOME cook, not a trained chef, and I have given $$ to our president:)
OBAMA 2012

[beemerguy]

05:11 PM on 05/22/2012

Rich but very caring people I admire them and their talent and yes I am a foodie [but a lousey cook] So I enjoy watching the pro's work their magic

[rinman9]

06:23 PM on 05/22/2012

they're rich 1% 'rs shouldn't people be occupying their resturaunts?

[ddemos]

06:47 PM on 05/22/2012

go back to facbook rin, where the comprehension of the conversations won't elude you...

Too funny.

[sdanca4]

07:35 PM on 05/22/2012

Vulture Capitalism is wrong. Capitalism as it was meant is good. Don't worry, their food isn't fatting "garbage" enough for you. Don't worry about.

[CBsez]

04:53 PM on 05/22/2012

I bet Romney's chef gives to the Obama campaign too.

[captainspirou]

03:27 PM on 05/22/2012

What about Charlie Trotter? He's a well known admirer of Ayn Rand and I wouldn't be surprised if he donated to Republicans.

[davesf]

05:09 PM on 05/22/2012

Didn't know that, still loved eating at his restaurant, though. One of the best meals of my life.

[gypsysailor]

01:46 AM on 05/22/2012

Back in the day when I catered parties to both republicans and Democrats I would be able to tell you this, Democrats are better tippers. They were not trying to buy or influence any of the catering crew. They were trying to show their appreciation of the service given. Republicans on the other hand were the cheapest bastards in the market place.

[yemaya]

05:39 PM on 05/22/2012

rich people hate paying for stuff.

[btheladynred]

05:43 PM on 05/22/2012

That's how they become rich....

[cerdayes]

07:44 PM on 05/22/2012

they hate paying taxes too.

[Rooster Coburn]

01:24 AM on 05/22/2012

How many of them are gaga I wonder?

[terry59204]

11:15 PM on 05/21/2012

Well, I am damned tired of all my tax dollars feeding the dead-beat drug dealers. I am writing all these "chefs" off my list.

[Doreen1960]

04:09 PM on 05/22/2012

How is the world is that relevant to the Chefs donating to a political party?

[CBsez]

04:46 PM on 05/22/2012

She's a Repug - doesn't have to be relevant or even true.

[YeahDonkey]

04:18 PM on 05/22/2012

what in the world are you talking about?

[bookreader451]

10:38 PM on 05/21/2012

Me and my daughter laugh at Sandra Lee and her abundent cocktails but never never at her mission to feed the poor. She may be 70% store bought but she is 100% caring.

[btheladynred]

05:45 PM on 05/22/2012

She grew up extremely poor.....