Industry Contributes Big Bucks to Midwest Candidates

Candidates on Both Sides of the Aisle Benefit

Interestingly enough, both Democrats and Republicans were on the receiving end of the industry contribution checks.

With the 2008 election now behind us, it is interesting to see how the insurance industry divided up its contributions to the candidates, particularly for Congressional races. Big bucks were given some candidates, while others received less than $1,000. We understand the reasons for the smaller contributions … some were not expected to win, while others were not pro-business or were not pro-insurance agenda candidates. Interestingly enough, both Democrats and Republicans were on the receiving end of the industry contribution checks.

Illinois’ President-elect Barack Obama received $1,512,257. The industry, however, contributed almost twice that amount to John McCain (R-AZ) in the amount of $2,047,696.

However, Obama wasn’t the only Illinois Democrat to receive a hefty sum from the industry. The powerful Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin was given a check for $128,750. On the House side, newly named chief-of-staff for President-elect Obama— Rahm Emanuel (D-IL)—received $134,400. Another high profile Democratic candidate Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) was handed a smaller amount at $23,700.

No Laughing Matter

In the highly contested and publicized race in Minnesota, incumbent Republican Norm Coleman received $291,749 to help retain his seat. Although some are saying that Coleman has won, the ballots are still being recounted. DFL challenger and well-known comedian Al Franken is not laughing and has pushed for more recounting in many counties at this writing. According to the Star Tribune, the Minnesota Canvassing Board meets Dec. 16. hopefully to decide this race once and for all.

To compare more industry contributions to Midwest U.S. Senators and U.S. House of Representatives go to page 10, “Insurance Dollars an Electoral Force in Midwestern States.”

Topics Illinois