Costco brass — miffed at Democrats over a liquor-fee dispute — have essentially switched sides, backing the Republican Party’s efforts to maintain and expand its majority coalition

◼ After being stiff-armed by Democrats on a liquor-tax dispute, Costco execs have shifted their loyalties to Republicans in this year’s state Senate races. - Seattle Times

Employees and executives of the Issaquah-based retailer have donated more than $48,000 to Republicans and $17,000 to Democrats so far this year in state contests, according to filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).

That’s a notable turnabout from recent elections. In 2012, Costco employees and executives gave $93,000 to Democrats and $21,000 to Republicans in state races. In 2010, $37,000 went to Democrats and just $750 to Republicans.

“Kinda conspicuous, isn’t it?” said Sinegal, the former Costco CEO and current board member, who acknowledged the liquor fight in Olympia was at the heart of the shift in donations.

From the comments: kmw - Tell me again why you think it wrong or unusual to donate to a group that supports your business position as opposed to a group that is in opposition to your business position? It is not all pie in the sky, blind loyalty to a party symbol. At some point in time practical reality kicks in.