rssLobbyists Overwhelmingly Support McCain
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 3:45 pm
- 3 Comments
I was just checking out a new feature at OpenSecrets.org — the Center for Responsive Politics’ website that tracks money in politics.
Among other things, you can follow the personal campaign contributions of individual lobbyists. It also lets you see which candidates have received the most money from lobbyists and political action committees (PACs).
Naturally, the first thing I did was look up Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama. McCain has raised vastly more campaign cash from lobbyists than Obama this year. Here are the figures, as of Aug. 19:
John McCain (R)
Recipient DetailContribution(s) found: 867
Total: $676,346
Total from individuals: $446,496
Total from PACs: $229,850Total from joint fundraising: $692,016 [Money raised jointly with the Republican National Committee]
Barack Obama (D)
Recipient DetailContribution(s) found: 114
Total: $49,453
Total from individuals: $42,233
Total from PACs: $7,220
If one counts only the money from lobbyists and PACS, McCain has out-raised Obama by a margin of more than 13 to one.
However, that margin balloons rapidly when McCain’s fund-raising in conjunction with the RNC is factored in. The joint account allows McCain to continue raising money after the deadline imposed as a condition of his accepting federal financing for the general election, which Obama declined. It also allows individuals to contribute far larger amounts than allowed under federal law for direct contributions to a campaign.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to know exactly how much of the joint money goes directly to the McCain campaign. McCain receives the bulk of the joint funds, but the party takes a share, and some is distributed to support GOP congressional candidates.
Overall, Democratic candidates have raised more money from lobbyists than Republicans, according to OpenSecrets.org — $75.2 million to $65.6 million. This isn’t too surprising, given widespread expectations that 2008 will be a good election year for Democrats.
But when it comes to the race for the White House, McCain is the lobbyists’ clear favorite.
3 Comments
Comment posted October 16, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Of course the lobbyists support McCain these are the people that John McCain owes allegiance to.
I think John McCain’s being in bed with hundreds of lobbyists is worse them Barack Obama serving on a few committees with Ayres.
Is there any question on where John McCain comes up with his ideas on how to fix this nations economy?
John McCain is in the pocket of insurance companies.
John McCain is in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies.
John McCain is in the pocket of oil companies.
John McCain in the pocket of the mortgage companies.
John McCain in the pocket of the banking industry.
John McCain is in the pocket of lobbyists.
Here is a list of his best friends, lobbyists and employees of major companies working in major positions in the McCain campaign. These are the same people that put our economy into the position it is in now. This link will answer any questions you might have about the people who are advising and influencing John McCain.
http://mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
Comment posted November 1, 2008 @ 11:23 am
No surprise. McCain's chief campaign chair, Rick Davis, works for a lobbying firm. McCain sold his soul to lobbyists and NeoCons when he endorsed George W. Bush just so he had the support of people who hate the Constitution and what America really stands for.
Comment posted November 1, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
No surprise. McCain's chief campaign chair, Rick Davis, works for a lobbying firm. McCain sold his soul to lobbyists and NeoCons when he endorsed George W. Bush just so he had the support of people who hate the Constitution and what America really stands for.
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