Major GOP Donor Cashes In, Sells Biz to Beam

According to the Associated Press, Beam Inc. said today that is will buy Pinnacle Vodka and Calico Jack rum brands, along with other related assets, for $605 million in cash from Lewiston-based White Rock Distilleries.

White Rock is a major financial backer for the Maine Republican Party. For example, the company gave $107,000 on May 25, 2011, to the party.

The impact from the sale on the company’s giving isn’t discussed. But the deal certainly suggests that White Rock will have plenty of cash on hand if it decides to buy its way into this fall’s election.

David Farmer

About David Farmer

David Farmer is a political and media consultant in Portland, where he lives with his wife and two children. He was senior adviser to Democrat Mike Michaud’s campaign for governor and a longtime journalist. You can reach him at dfarmer14@hotmail.com.