Bush money-man heads for NZ embassy

Charles 'Butch' Swindells - a major fundraiser for President George W. Bush's campaign coffers - will be the next United States ambassador to New Zealand.

Speaking from Little Rock, Arkansas, Mr Bush confirmed that he would nominate the 58-year-old finance executive, philanthropist and marathon runner from Oregon for the post.

"As a leader in the financial services industry and a well-respected community leader from the Pacific Northwest, Butch Swindells will be an asset to the fine relationship between the United States and New Zealand," Mr Bush said.

The nomination has yet to be ratified by the US Congress.

The Oregonian newspaper said Mr Swindells helped fill Mr Bush's campaign coffers during his presidential candidacy. As co-chairman of Mr Bush's Oregon campaign finance committee, he organised a $US1000-a-head ($2400) cocktail party for Mr Bush in 1999. The event raised $US377,000 - thought to be a record at the time.

At that party, Mr Swindells said he had been "a fundraiser for the family" of political Bushes, who he called "great stock."

The Oregonian said Mr Swindells donated the maximum $US1000 allowed under election rules to Mr Bush in 1999 and last year. His wife, Caroline, also gave $US1000 to Mr Bush last year. All told, Mr Swindells gave $US43,000 to Republican candidates and causes last year.

He has frequently pledged money to Republican candidates, but has also given to Democrats and to political causes, such as the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

Some campaign finance reform advocates in the United States criticise making big donors ambassadors, saying the practice could be seen as buying an ambassadorship.

The Oregonian said Mr Swindells had made his money by helping wealthy people and companies invest their money.

He co-founded Capital Consultants and later merged the company with US Trust of New York, the oldest trust company in the US.

He is chairman of the board of trustees at Lewis & Clark College.

He also is on the boards of several hospitals, two colleges at Portland State University and several charities. He has raised money for local schools.

The New Zealand post is traditionally one of many political appointments that go to a president's friends, political allies or major donors, instead of to professional career diplomats.

Mr Swindells replaces Carol Moseley Braun, who was a friend and political ally of Bill Clinton.

- Staff reporter, agencies