Leveling Up

When they’re not signing up distributors, MLMs are recruiting politicians.

NU SKIN

Known for: Galvanic spas

Political giving, 1989-2012: $675,000, mostly to Republicans. CEO supported Romney’s campaigns; ex-president and his son-in-law gave $2 million to the Romney super-PAC via shell companies.

MELALEUCA

Known for: Cleaning products, litigious CEO

Political giving, 1989-2012: $380,000, mostly to GOPers; plus $1 million to Romney super-PAC

ALTICOR (AMWAY)

Known for: Nutrilite diet supplements

Political giving, 1989-2012: $9.3 million, mostly to Republicans. Amway cofounder Rich DeVos funds the Koch brothers’ political efforts.

HERBALIFE

Known for: Nutritional shakes

Lobbying, 1998-2011: $3.65 million

METABOLIFE

Known for: Banned ephedra-based weight-loss drugs

Lobbying, 1998-2005: $3.6 million

MARY KAY

Known for: Pink Cadillac-driving sellers

Political giving, 1989-2012: $740,000

AVON PRODUCTS

Known for: Pink-ribbon everything

Political giving, 1989-2012: $345,000, plus $970,000 on lobbying since 2002

4LIFE RESEARCH

Known for: Transfer Factor immunity supplements

Political giving, 1989-2012: $54,000; founder gave $500,000 to Romney super-PAC.

FOREVER LIVING

Known for: Aloe vera-based drinks

Political giving, 1989-2012: CEO and his wife have given more than $150,000 to Republicans, including Romney.

XANGO

Known for: Mangosteen juice

Political giving, 2004-2012: $186,000, mostly to Republicans

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

December is make or break for us. A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. A strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength. A weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

The December 31 deadline is closing in fast. To reach our $400,000 goal, we need readers who’ve never given before to join the ranks of MoJo donors. And we need our steadfast supporters to give again today—any amount.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do.

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