A cursory review reveals a couple of items of interest here.  First of all, the fact that Conexant Systems made a $2000 contribution to the chamber's PAC.  According to this Greenlight page, Conexant has two development projects on hold.  Secondly, Marriott International, parent company of a local proposed hotel project, donated $1000 to the chamber PAC.

Also worth noting is the fact that the chamber then turned that money around for direct contributions to the "Team Newport" candidates:  Ridgeway, Adams, Webb, and Svalstad.  In addition, it appears as though they also spent over $13,000 in mailing/marketing for these preferred candidates (itemized at bottom of page).

Enough said.  Freenewport.com is proud to present to you the 2002 campaign contribution statement of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce PAC.

Their Contributions:

In addition, below are the only two documented expenditures for The Chamber of Commerce PAC for the entire year of July 1 - December 31, 2002.

Their Expenditures:

Team Newport:
Tod Ridgeway for City Council:  $500
Committee to Elect Gary Adams:  $500
Bernie Svalstad for City Council:  $500
Committee to Elect Don Webb:  $500

Daily Pilot
330 West Bay Street
Costa Mesa, CA  92627
Amount:  $4,541

Orange County Register
625 North Grand
Santa Ana, CA  92701
Amount:  $1,119

Source Corp
324 West Blueridge Avenue
Orange, CA  92865
Amount:  $5,251

Minuteman Press
2620 East Coast Highway
Corona Del Mar, CA  92625
Amount:  $2,373

Wow!  Between the tens of thousands of dollars that "Team Newport" raised, and the over $13,000 that the chamber spent in advertising for the team, our only question is:

How in the hell did Dick Nichols beat Bernie Svalstad in Corona Del Mar?

We'll leave you to ponder that one...