A new approach to guide political donations

The Associated Press is reporting that Target has revised its policy governing political donations following a flap last year that tarnished the company’s progressive image. Target drew the wrath of gay rights activists after it was revealed the company donated $150,000 to a business group that supported Minnesota’s conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer who is an opponent of gay marriage and other gay rights initiatives.

Among the changes is the creation of a committee of senior executives responsible for guiding decisions about financial support of political activities, according to AP. The committee will determine whether the company makes contributions directly to candidates, political parties or political committees like MN Forward, the organization Target donated money to last year that sparked the controversy.

Emmer lost the election to Democratic candidate Mark Dayton.