The Center for Responsive Politics has just published a piece clearing up the relative allocation of oil-industry related donations to both Obama and McCain. The bottom line is that while support for McCain has surged, both candidates have taken money from people with industry ties.
While McCain has raised considerably more money from this unpopular industry, CRP was surprised to notice that it's actually Obama who has received more from the pockets of employees at several of Big Oil's biggest and most recognizable companies. Tallying contributions by employees in the industry and their families, we found that Exxon, Chevron and BP have all contributed more money to Obama than to McCain.....
Comparing Obama's and McCain's financial ties to the oil industry, there's no question that McCain has benefited more from the industry's contributions, just as his Republican Party has for years and years. But Obama's edge with the oil producers Americans know best -- and might be cursing most these days -- makes it harder for him to continue to tar McCain as the industry's darling. Still, this chart shows vividly how the industry's support for McCain's candidacy has surged in the last few months.
It's been pointed out that giving shot up after the presumptive Republican nominee announced his support for offshore drilling, but...the trend started months before that. (CRP)
In other words, both candidates have money-ties to people who might well hope to purchase influence -- which is a good illustration of why we need campaign finance reform.
Memeorandum has commentary.
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