Matheson has loyal following of individual donors
philantrophy day 2 magid 11/1/07 Norma Matheson, left, and Barbara Pioli at Utah Philantrophy Day awards ceremony. magid photo
Washington • Rep. Jim Matheson is by far the biggest fundraiser among Utah’s three House members, representing a district that is often competitive. While he raises most of his money from political action committees run by business groups, unions and politicians, he still has a small core of committed individual donors.
The Salt Lake Tribune analyzed contributions from each of Matheson’s six House elections to determine which families rank among his top 10 contributors of all time. These loyal supporters, some of whom are quite wealthy, are limited by federal rules on how much they can give. PACs can donate $5,000 per election (convention, primary and general), while individuals can contribute $2,400 per election.
1. Ashok and Surekha Joshi
Ceramatec
Total contributions • $33,644
Matheson’s top contributors run a company that has benefited from federal earmarks secured with the congressman’s help. It’s hard to tell if their ties go beyond this. The Joshis did not return calls seeking comment.
They run Ceramatec, a Utah company that develops new uses for ceramics, including biofuels and the delivery of pain medication. Matheson has helped the company secure at least three earmarks in recent years, including a $1.6 million defense grant in 2008. Matheson hasn’t sponsored an earmark for the company in the past two years.
Back in 2008, Ashok Joshi told The Tribune he contributes for two reasons: his wife is a supporter and he hoped the contributions would help get federal funds.
“I also feel that appropriations have politics behind [them], so naturally I want my representatives to fight to get the money to Utah,” he said.
Matheson said he met the Joshis at a House party during his first campaign. “They appreciated my approach and supported me ever since.”
The Joshis have contributed $10,600 to Matheson so far this election cycle. The couple have also donated to other federal officials, such as Sen. Orrin Hatch, but in much smaller amounts. When contributions from all Ceramatec executives are combined, the company has contributed nearly $45,000 to Matheson since he first ran for office.
The Joshis have contributed $10,600 to Matheson so far this election cycle. The couple have also donated to other federal officials, such as Sen. Orrin Hatch, but in much smaller amounts. When contributions from all Ceramatec executives are combined, the company has contributed nearly $45,000 to Matheson since he first ran for office.
The Joshis have contributed $10,600 to Matheson so far this election cycle. The couple have also donated to other federal officials, such as Sen. Orrin Hatch, but in much smaller amounts. When contributions from all Ceramatec executives are combined, the company has contributed nearly $45,000 to Matheson since he first ran for office.
Dr. Joshi is a philanthropist engaged in the development and building of three schools serving 1800 under-privileged girls in rural India. One of the schools focuses on mentally challenged children.
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