In brief: GOP backers got $7 million donation

Washington – A wealthy Texas homebuilder who helped finance the anti-John Kerry Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in 2004 contributed $7 million to American Crossroads, making him the top contributor to one of the main groups dedicated to helping Republicans win control of Congress.

The donor, Bob J. Perry of Houston, donated the money over the past six weeks, single-handedly accounting for nearly half of the group’s fundraising in 43 days.

American Crossroads reported the contributions in documents it planned to file with the Federal Election Commission.

American Crossroads and its affiliate, Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies, were formed this year with help from GOP guru Karl Rove to supplement the Republican Party’s efforts during this year’s midterm elections.

Flight attendant’s home burgled

New York – The home of fed-up former JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater was burglarized by his partner’s brother, prosecutors said Wednesday.

John Rochelle made off with a laptop, printer and a microwave after breaking into the home his brother Ken shares with Slater in Belle Harbor, Queens, on Oct. 14, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Slater avoided jail under a plea bargain that requires him to undergo counseling and substance-abuse treatment for at least a year. He must also pay $10,000 in restitution to JetBlue Airways Corp.