Web site claims DTE Energy gave donation to Democratic PAC after House tax-offset initiative

LANSING -- A conservative Web site Thursday accused the Democratic speaker of the state House of collecting a $15,000 contribution to his party in return for a proposal that would enrich DTE Energy. House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, who didn't return calls seeking comment, last month proposed revamping state regulations to return monopoly status to utilities such as DTE. That would offset a new utility tax that could raise $500 million toward the budget shortfall, Dillon said.

Nick DeLeeuw, who operates a Web site called Right Michigan, noted Thursday that DTE's political action committee contributed $15,000 to the House Democrats' political action committee on April 11 -- a couple of weeks after Dillon unveiled his proposal.

The Detroit News confirmed the contribution through state records, but also discovered contributions from DTE and CMS Energy to Republicans in the House and Senate. DTE has given $11,500 to Senate Republicans so far this year and $2,000 to House Republicans, the records show.

CMS has given $5,000 each to House and Senate Republicans.

"The give-and-take between Dillon and corporate interests seriously undercuts Democrats' stated goal of running an ethical ship in the House of Representatives," DeLeeuw wrote.

"You can pass all the ethics legislation you want, but accepting a suitcase full of green after scratching a company's back isn't what most folks would call ethical."

DTE spokesman John Austerberry called DeLeeuw's claim baseless and said most major corporations routinely donate to both parties and to political leaders in both parties.

Last month, Democrats were accused of trading favors because they suggested using Apple iPods as school learning tools after some took a free trip to the firm's California headquarters.

Following the flap, the lawmakers involved reimbursed Apple for their travel expenses.

The utility proposal -- now apparently dead -- likely would have benefited large firms such as DTE and CMS Energy, who'd have to ante up most of the new taxes.

It also would reverse the state's course on utility policy. Several years ago, lawmakers and the state Public Service Commission set up new policies designed to open up Michigan markets to alternative power suppliers who compete with the large firms.

Dillon said the open-market approach has resulted in reluctance by investors to fund needed new power plants in Michigan while doing little to reduce customers' energy bills.

Gary Heinlein / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
You can reach Gary Heinlein at (313) 222-2470 or gheinlein@detnews.com
April 27, 2007