By Tracey Wainwright

The largest contribution from a private individual to a state legislator for the 1999 election cycle fattened the campaign pockets of Delegate C. Paul Harris.

Internet guru Halsey Minor gave Harris $50,000 - almost 30 percent of the total contributions that the Charlottesville Republican received for the campaign.

Minor, chairman and chief executive officer of CNET Inc., founded the Internet media company in 1992. Today, the 540-person business based in San Francisco offers information and services relating to computers and technology.

The company, valued at more than $3 billion, has earned its 35-year-old executive more than $500 million, as reported by Business Week magazine.

Minor and Harris have more than a $50,000 gift between them. Both men, 35, were born in Charlottesville. When around the ages of 9, Minor and Harris played on the same little league baseball team, said Harris’ legislative assistant, Bill Janis.

"Paul pitched while Halsey was catcher," Janis said. "Since then, they’ve stayed friends and followed each other’s careers."

Like Harris, Minor even had his own political aspirations. More than two years ago, Minor entertained the idea of moving back to Virginia and running for governor, Business Week reported.

While he no longer has designs on a gubernatorial race, Minor still takes a part in politics. A member of the Technology Network, Minor helps further the cause of the California-based bipartisan organization.

Focusing on public policy and political service, the Technology Network tries to advance technology-industry interests.

At the General Assembly, Harris has an interest in technology, too.

He co-sponsored legislation that would lower taxes for Internet service providers. If the bill passes the 2000 General Assembly and is signed by the governor, localities could tax personal property used in providing Internet services at rates lower than those charged on general class machinery and tools.

National politicians also know Minor well. In 1998, Minor gave $70,000 to Democrats, including presidential hopeful Al Gore, and $50,000 to Republicans, including presidential candidate George W. Bush.