A Campaign Money Watch Factsheet

Last Updated October 13, 2008

On June 17, 2008, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) made a speech in Houston on energy issues. News reports at the time said McCain intended to “make amends with Texas energy producers who did not support him during the 2008 GOP primary season” by calling for offshore oil drilling along America’s coastline and expanded use of nuclear power. Although some have criticized McCain as flip-flopping on energy issues, the positions McCain staked out that night should not surprise anyone: They are similar to those advocated by the fifty-nine energy lobbyists on his campaign and fundraising staff, as well as those industry insiders who have donated millions of dollars to McCain’s political career.

John McCain has raised $5,098,505 from the energy and natural resources sector since 1989 (2)

• McCain has raised $3,408,647 from the oil and gas industries.
• He has raised $851,960 from the electric utility industry, which includes the nuclear power industry.
• He has raised $326,036 from the alternative energy, energy distribution, power plant construction, waste management, and water utilities industries.
• He has raised $511,862 from the mining industry.

Although McCain has long relied on energy companies to fund his campaigns, contributions from those industries have soared during his 2008 campaign

• Between 1989 and 2006, employees and PACs of the oil and gas industry gave McCain $305,277. In the 2008 cycle alone they have given him $3,103,370.
• Between 1989 and 2006, employees and PACs of electric utilities donated $205,475 to McCain. In the 2008 cycle alone they have given $425,685.
• Between 1989 and 2006, employees and PACs of the alternative energy, energy distribution, power plant construction, and water utilities industries gave McCain $78,855. In the 2008 cycle alone they donated $935,135.

Fifty-nine energy lobbyists serve as staffers or fundraisers for McCain’s campaign

• They include chief campaign strategist Charlie Black, congressional liaison John Green, national finance director Susan Nelson, and deputy campaign manger Christian Ferry.

1. Bennett Roth and Richard S. Dunham, “McCain Calls for End to Offshore Drilling Ban,” Houston Chronicle, June 17, 2008.

2. Campaign finance and lobbying figures are based on Campaign Money Watch analysis of data obtained from the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan organization that tracks and codes campaign finance data by industry and tracks lobbying. Campaign finance data include individual contributions ($200+) and from Political Action Committees (PACs) to campaign committees and leadership PACs. Data for the 2008 cycle were downloaded in October 2008.