Members of the House of Representatives who approved a $14 billion cash infusion for Ford, Chrysler and General Motors on Wednesday night have received more campaign contributions, on average, from the automotive industry during their careers than those who opposed the rescue, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has found. The 237 who got the bill passed have received $87,063.44 on average from auto dealers, automakers and auto unions since 1989, while the 170 who voted against it received, on average, $80,756.80.
Because of the industry's Republican leanings, even Republicans who voted against lending the automakers' money Wednesday had received more money than Democrats who supported the bridge loan. Republicans' grip on the industry is loosening, however. In the 2008 cycle, the Big Three's PAC and individual contributions flipped to the side of the party that controls Congress. Auto unions remain solidly Democratic.
House Democrats, who overwhelmingly supported the bill, received 44 percent more money, on average, from automakers, unions in the industry and auto dealers since 1989--$79,303.21 compared to $54,951.30 for the 20 Democrats who voted against the bill. The bill's 32 Republican supporters collected 62 percent more than opponents in their party--$136,777.44, versus $84,197.53 for the 150 Republicans who voted against the bailout package. (The Center for Responsive Politics has coded campaign finance data by industry back to the 1990 election cycle, or the calendar year 1989.)
Overall the automotive industry has given $16.1 million to all federal candidates, parties and committees in the 2008 election cycle, with 72 percent going to Republicans. Little of that money, however, was directed to members on the finance committee shaping the bailout legislation, according to the Center's findings. More...
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