Mort Meier, a bond underwriter, had 709 votes or 1 percent.

None of the bond underwriters have been accused of wrongdoing.

About $15,000 more has been donated by bond underwriters over the last two years, Federal Election Commission reports show.

The restrictions on bond underwriters did not apply, he said, "because Governor Whitman didn't have an official role in the committee at that time.

A $1 billion issue is putting pressure on bond underwriters.

Rules limiting campaign contributions from bond underwriters to government officials will be delayed two months.

But it is facing growing opposition from state and local officials who choose bond underwriters and who often receive political contributions.

But as The Times reported last week, leading bond underwriters have now found ways of circumventing the law and contributing the money anyway.

He helped negotiate the settlement with the bond underwriters.

Bear, Stearns & Company, as the bond underwriter, picked up $3 million in fees when the bonds were issued.