The Zen Cabin

Their World, Elected

Here’s a quick overview of AT&T PAC contributions, over recent election cycles. The thing that I find interesting about this is the sudden and drastic switch of contributions to Republicans. I haven’t looked into this yet, but what happened in 1996? Contributions to Repubs more than doubled.

The numbers for 2008, thus far, indicate the pattern will continue. That’s not so surprising, I suppose. If I recall correctly, there was a version of Telco Immunity legislation put forward in 2006 (I’ll have to check to make sure). It’s also interesting to note the extremely high ratios of R:D contributions in 2004 and 2006.

I’ll keep looking into it, though, I’m sure others have already. If anyone has some good info, let me have it.

[Update] – One other point, which should be fairly obvious, is the Telco contributions to Sen. Jay Rockefeller. See 2006 and 2008 contributions and notice the increase in contributions from AT&T and Verizon. Here’s a helpful visual aid comparing 2006(l) and 2008(r), courtesy of Open Secrets. (click for full-size)

Contact Sen. Rockefeller:

405 Capitol Street
Suite 508
Charleston, WV 25301-1749
(304) 347-5372
(304) 347-5371 Fax

531 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6472
(202) 224-7665 Main Fax

Rip -