In addition they have refused to release any information about the donors that might offer clues as to Hsu’s connections and the degree of corruption in the process. Hillary Clinton has accepted nearly $175,000 from this suspect donor network and yet has pledged to return only less than $23,000 or 13%. All told Hsu is responsible for nearly $1.6 million in donations to Democrats since 2004.
Remarkably, the media seems almost bored with this whole story. Oh sure, newspapers and other media outlets have mentioned the story. But when compared with the absurd 24-hour frenzy on Larry Craig this scandal has been rather tepid. Attempts to link this scandal to the eerily similar events surrounding her husband’s reelection campaign have been brushed off as desperate attempts to re-fight old battles or even racist.
The fact that the Clinton’s have a history of campaign violations and irregularities hasn’t put a dent in Hillary’s frontrunner status. But there is some indication that the tide may be turning. Obama and Edwards have begun stepping up their rhetoric against Hillary if only obliquely. Chris Dodd has promised not to keep any funds connected to a fugitive from justice.
Just like with her refusal to release important documents from her time as first lady, this provides Hillary with an opportunity to show she is a different candidate. She can release the information about the bundled donors and give the money to charity.
If the past is any indication, however, look for further stonewalling and attacks on the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. After all being a Clinton means never having to say you are sorry.