Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
State Senate Democrats Return Donation From Walmart
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 30, 2010
Modified Aug 30, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 30, 2010
Modified Aug 30, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The NY State Senate Democrats had to return a $15,000 donation from mega retailer Walmart after labor union leaders freaked out. According to the Post, "The action came just days after last week's disclosure in The Post that the Democrats had accepted the cash from the union-resisting Arkansas-based retail chain, which is believed to be interested in putting its first city store in Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson's Brooklyn district." A spokesman for Sampson, who also heads the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, said, "I can confirm that the money was returned. That's as far as I'm going to go on it."
Walmart has been trying to move in the New York City market for many years, even running ads trying to convince New Yorkers it's needed, but the company's labor practices have prevented it from gaining much traction from most local politicians. The Post says the donation "was...seen by government reformers as further evidence of the Legislature's 'pay to play' culture that led Senate Democrats earlier this year to offer labor leaders special 'advisory committee chairmanships' for $50,000 a piece." Retail and Wholesale Workers Union President Stuart Appelbaum, who called the $15,000 "blood money," said that by returning the donation, Senate Democrats "are standing up for working people and communities. They are sending a loud message that Walmart is still not welcome in New York City."
Earlier this year, Queens locals became very upset by a fake Walmart ad in the Queens Tribune.
Tagged
john sampson
labor
retail
union
walmart
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
Facing drought and sea level rise, authority looks at expanding major NY reservoir
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
Facing drought and sea level rise, authority looks at expanding major NY reservoir
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .