Bush's Baseball Ambassadors
DOLING OUT diplomatic posts is a time-honored way for presidents to repay political patrons. But by awarding ambassadorships to 19 Pioneers—supporters who raised at least $100,000 for his 2000 campaign—George W. Bush, a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers, has been in a league of his own. His choices include five big-league execs. Here, the baseball bunch. —Benjamin Leslie
For more on the Bush donor-diplomat team, see Bush's Foreign Exchange.
Spain. 2001 - present.
$123,000
Former owner of Seattle Mariners.
No Spanish.
Switzerland 2001 - 2003. Called back to become Bush 2004 finance chair.
$373,173
Co-owner of Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.
No German or Italian. Only basic French. A.k.a. "Fundraiser-in-Chief."
$415,830
Co-owner of St. Louis Cardinals.
No French. No Flemish.
Belgium. Four days in 2003.
$275,000
Co-owner of Texas Rangers.
Appointed, but never showed due to divorce proceedings.
Czech Republic. 2001 - 2003. Returned to fundraise for Bush 2004.
$60,500
Former co-owner of Texas Rangers. Married to Bush cousin, Dorothy.
Czech 101. Reportedly walked out and slammed door on Czech prime minister during Iraq war rift.
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