Top 25 Political Donations from 1989 to 2014

MERCATUS CENTER AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY ^ | Mar 04, 2014 | Veronique de Rugy

[george76]

The incentives to use political connections for personal gain grow as the power of government grows. Donating to political campaigns is one way that private interests try to win alliances of government authorities. Over the past 25 years, several of the top political contributors have sought political privilege largely under the radar, with some surprising names appearing among the top 25.

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The top donor is ActBlue, an online political action committee dedicated to raising funds for Democrats.

Fourteen labor unions were among the top 25 political campaign contributors.

Three public sector unions were among the fourteen: the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees; the National Education Association; and the American Federation of Teachers. Their combined contributions amount to $150 million dollars, or 15 percent of total donations, since 1989.

Public and private sector unions contributed 55.6 percent, or $552 million, of all campaign contributions.

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public-sector unions present a real problem in representing both sides of the negotiating table—for their own benefit. In this sense, they harbor a special conflict of interest that sets them apart from private companies, private unions, and trade organizations.

[woweeitsme]

Well...so much for the theory that “big business” is the largest contributor to campaigns.

[scooby321]

What is called laundering money from Unions to the Democratic Party and back to Unions.

[woweeitsme]

And...public sector unions are YUUUGE in this. So, the government gives its money back to those that are running for government office. Brilliant!

[Gaffer]

How many candidates and politicians benefit from like-kind donations such as free travel on corporate jets all over the country and the world?

[seekthetruth]

As an educator of 43 years I have been praying a very long time that before the Lord takes me, I get to see the NEA (National Education Association) and the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) go down the toilet along with the National Department Of Education!

[Armando Guerra]

Microsoft pays gives its protection money political donations to Democrats. Microsoft wasn't always a big donor. Despite their size and prominence they only gave $16,000 in 1995. After the antitrust action was brought against them by the Clinton's DOJ the political donations increased 10,000% until a surprise settlement agreement was reached in 2000.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-lobbying-efforts-eclipse-enron/