With everything we are learning about the gas leak explosion in San Bruno, California, shouldn't we be suspicious of candidates who seek and then receive boatloads of campaign contributions from utility companies, mining, and similar industries? Many Republicans, like Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, have received money from gas/oil concerns, utilities, mining, and groups that are opposed to legislation that protects the environment. The other reason that these groups donate to Stivers is because he is against regulations in banking, business, has stated that he doesn't believe in climate change, and has voted against consumer protection. Utilities, mining companies, oil/gas corporations, and their related companies, want and need someone who can work for them, and against regulations. Without regulations and laws to protect citizens and our environment, the gas/oil/utility/mining industries can take risks, damage air/water/land, raise rates, hurt consumers and communities, and create similar situations like San Bruno.
Open Secrets:
Steve Stivers (R)
| Industry | Total |
|---|---|
| Leadership PACs | $92,410 |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $77,920 |
| Commercial Banks | $70,550 |
| Insurance | $64,400 |
| Health Professionals | $64,000 |
| Electric Utilities | $59,200 |
| Retired | $57,361 |
| Real Estate | $44,530 |
| Securities & Investment | $33,350 |
| Mining | $31,749 |
| Candidate Committees | $30,500 |
| Misc Finance | $29,025 |
| General Contractors | $28,900 |
| Food & Beverage | $28,600 |
| Oil & Gas | $28,350 |
| Retail Sales | $26,500 |
| Lobbyists | $24,450 |
| Pharmaceuticals/Health Products | $23,300 |
| Hospitals/Nursing Homes | $22,658 |
| Republican/Conservative | $22,150 |