Coca-Cola deal hikes Patrick's finances for gov campaign

By Ann E. Donlan | Boston Herald | April 8, 2005

Deval Patrick has inked a consulting deal with his ex-employer Coca-Cola that puts $2.1 million into his pocket as he inches closer to a decision to run for governor in 2006.

The 12-month consulting deal, while not a political contribution, could help Patrick close the fundraising gap with Attorney General Tom Reilly, who is planning to seek the Democratic nomination.

"One contribution from Coca Cola makes you even with Tom Reilly in the fund-raising department," said political consultant Scott Ferson. "That's the real thing."

Patrick, who was unavailable yesterday for comment, served as Coca Cola's general counsel and executive vice president until his abrupt resignation a year ago.

Under the deal revealed yesterday, Patrick cannot sue the company for any reason and has promised not to work for another company or reveal any company secrets through Jan. 1, 2007.

Patrick's spokesman, Kahlil Byrd, said the contract, which runs through Dec. 31, would "assure a smooth transition of the company's legal function."

Democratic media consultant Mike Shea said, "He's going to have more money to fund his campaign and it means that he's highly valued in the business world, and those are all pluses."

Byrd noted Patrick already has sunk $100,000 into his campaign committee, adding, "He will put in some money, but it's important the people participate in his effort to change the leadership of Massachusetts, and part of that participation is fund raising."

FAIR USE NOTICE. This document contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The Campaign to Stop Killer Coke is making this article available in our efforts to advance the understanding of corporate accountability, human rights, labor rights, social and environmental justice issues. We believe that this constitutes a 'fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.