Fischer Still Receiving Campaign Contributions to Pay Off Debt

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is still receiving political contributions to recoup his campaign debt, including from donors who are doing business with the city.According to the state's election finance records, Fischer has collected more than $21,000 since taking office in January. The decision has raised a few eyebrows and is in contrast to three of the mayor's former opponents who have also amassed debt during the 2010 mayoral race. The donations are paying off Fischer's personal loans and include $1,500 in contributions from a lobbyist who represents Insight Communications, a cable company that is currently in tough negotiations with Metro Government over a franchise agreement.Fischer says the donations have not affected his decision-making or ability to govern, but observers question if this decision will hurt the mayor's political future.From the Courier-Journal: "If anybody thinks they’re going to get a favor from me for a contribution, they are sorely misguided," Fischer said. "I’m going to do what’s right for the citizens, and it doesn’t matter who gives me money." (SNIP) Democratic political strategist Danny Briscoe, who has worked on local and state campaigns for more than 30 years, said Fischer made a political mistake by accepting money from people negotiating business deals with the city. “The public is going to react poorly to that,” Briscoe said. “I can tell you this: If I had a candidate running against him, it’d be in a commercial. It’s going to come back and hurt him.” The mayor, however, said that he’ll let voters judge him on his record and that he will keep open his account indefinitely.