Chrysler Dealership Closings Target Republicans

Jillian Bandes | May 28, 2009 11:31 AM

The nationwide closings of Chrysler dealerships are widely suspected to have been instigated by Obama instead of by the company itself as a condition of Chrysler receiving bailout money. Now,

The Washington Examiner reveals that those closings have been targeted at dealerships who have contributed to Republican candidates.

The basic issue raised here is this: How do we account for the fact millions of dollars were contributed to GOP candidates by Chrysler who are being closed by the government, but only one has been found so far that is being closed that contributed to the Obama campaign in 2008?

Attorneys for the dealerships are hitting the administration hard for their influence in closing the shops:

It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom of terminating 25 percent of its dealers. It really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous pressure from the President's automotive task force.

UPDATE: It's now confirmed that Obama will retain strict control over GM after handing them bailout money, too. Will he close all the Republican dealerships there?