Monday, September 13, 2010

Money Talks

* Accuracy is important.  Why do some in the media continue to say that Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is a resident of Upper Arlington when he actually lives in Victorian Village?

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)

IndustryTotal
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