The Daily Reveille has analyzed state political contribution records to identify 242 donations made by The Advocate’s new owner John Georges, his family, and his business interests totaling more than $700,000. Georges recently finalized an agreement to purchase The Advocate, and though he is a well-known public figure, the number of addresses and businesses used for these donations makes it difficult to examine this aspect of his public record.

The Reveille used its Bayou Bundlers tool to identify alternate donor names that appeared likely to be associated with Georges. Incorporation records were retrieved from the Louisiana Secretary of State database to identify officers and mailing addresses for those businesses, and this information was combined with donation records retrieved from the Louisiana Ethics Board to find and confirm linked donations.

The businesses included in the list have some sort of association with Georges, but that doesn’t mean Georges decided to donate. There’s nothing wrong with a business donating to a political candidate, but if groups of companies are particularly active, that activity stands out.

Names associated with these donations include 19th Rue Carre, AMA Distribution, AMA Distributors, Dathel Georges, DDG 2 LLC, Dolphin Holdings Inc, Dolphin Marine, Dolphin Dowing, Dolphin Tugs, G&P Properties, Geocor Properties, Imperial Trading Co, John Georges, Lag Oasis, Lucky Coin Machine Company, M&M Gaming, National Holdings Inc. Rapid Fire Inc., Sunshine Gaming, Sunshine Ventures, United Restaurant Entities, WG Ventures LLC, ZLN Holding LLC, ZLN Holdings #2 LLC and ZLN Holdings #3 LLC.