Money Wire: McCain's Tech Plan and the Lobbyists Who Wrote It

A FACTSHEET FROM CAMPAIGN MONEY WATCH
Released: August 20, 2008


On August 14, 2008, John McCain’s (R-AZ) presidential campaign released its technology plan. (1) In addition to laying out McCain’s opposition to net neutrality, the plan includes a 10 percent tax credit on wages paid to all research-and-development employees and reiterates McCain’s support for cutting corporate taxes overall and keeping capital gains taxes at 15 percent. Not included in his plan, however, is information about the almost $3.5 million he has received from those in the technology industry who stand to benefit from McCain’s favorable tax treatment. And it says nothing about several lobbyists on his campaign who have represented the tech industry in Washington.


McCain has received $3,441,129.00 from the tech industry since 1989. (2)


Sub-Industry Employee donations to McCain
Cellular systems and equipment $220,018
Computer manufacture & services $159,822
Computer software $538,678
Computers, components & accessories $261,433
Data processing & computer services $281,785
Electronics manufacturing & services $260,470
Long-distance telephone & telegraph service $202,250
Online computer services $292,185
Other Communications Services $21,050
Satellite communications $46,850
Telecommunications $220,875
Telephone & communications equipment $147,546
Telephone utilities $788,167
Total $3,441,129


McCain has received more from the tech industry in the 2008 cycle than in all other cycles since 1989 combined


Cycle Tech donations to McCain
1990 $10,250
1992 $65,999
1994 $7,000
1996 $1,250
1998 $395,288
2000 $798,051
2002 $70,550
2004 $153,650
2006 $181,918
Subtotal, 1990-2006 $1,683,956
2008 $1,757,173


McCain staffers have earned more than $121 million from the tech industry


  • McCain staffers and their lobbying firms have earned $121,934,239 representing the interests of the tech industry in Washington.


  • The employees of these same clients have given McCain $1,903,828.


Thirty-nine McCain staffers work for lobbying firms that have earned more than $1 million lobbying for the tech industry


Lobbyist Campaign Position Firm earnings Client donations to McCain
Perry, Steve Fundraiser $16,505,877 $765,914
Weber, Vin Fundraiser $9,570,000 $639,277
Molinari, Susan Women for McCain Steering Committee $5,650,000 $861,622
Green, John Congressional Liaison $5,510,000 $757,868
Phillips, Steven Fundraiser of $100,000 $5,310,000 $1,070,817
Black, Judy Fundraiser of $500,000 $5,230,000 $552,998
Edwards, Missy Women for McCain Steering Committee $5,130,000 $679,972
Pitts, James Fundraiser $4,898,362 $567,413
Berman, Wayne Fundraiser of $500,000 $4,670,000 $716,818
Loeffler, Tom Fundraiser of $500,000 $4,410,000 $606,158
Anderson, Philmore Fundraiser $4,408,362 $563,263
Pickering, Elise Finley Women for McCain Steering Committee $4,132,000 $164,076
Bonilla, Carlos Economic Policy Advisor $4,110,000 $677,972
Madigan, Peter Fundraiser $4,090,000 $861,927
Dawson, Mimi Fundraiser of $50,000 $3,720,000 $272,545
Black, Charlie Chief Political Advisor, Fundraiser $3,705,000 $467,123
Baker, Howard Fundraiser $3,620,000 $45,500
Timmons, John Fundraiser of $50,000 $3,440,000 $745,823
Cunningham, Bryan Fundraiser $3,430,000 $947,701
Donatelli, Frak RNC Deputy Chairman $3,430,000 $631,973
Crane, David Senior Policy Advisor $3,350,000 $611,127
Chadwick, Kirsten Women for McCain Steering Committee $3,020,000 $585,464
Anderson, Stanton Fundraiser of $50,000 $2,824,000 $116,000
Davis, Ashley Women for McCain Steering Committee $2,750,000 $61,900
Blalock, Kirk Fundraiser of $500,000 $2,600,000 $237,246
Metzner, David Fundraiser $2,560,000 $293,583
Davenport, Doug Regional Campaign Manager $2,405,000 $736,663
Gorton, Slade Washington state Honorary Chairman $2,150,000 $164,054
Beightol, David Fundraiser $2,052,000 $164,850
Weiss, Juleanna Glover Fundraiser $2,020,000 $652,427
Anderson, Rebecca Women for McCain Steering Committee $1,750,000 $18,350
Hart, Vicki Women for McCain Steering Committee $1,570,000 $533,668
Calio, Nicholas Fundraiser of $50,000 $1,550,000 $533,668
McSlarrow, Alison Women for McCain Steering Committee $1,460,000 $390,054
Hawley, Buzz Virginia Steering Committee $1,300,000 $17,335
Jarvis, Aleix Fundraiser $1,300,000 $44,196
Chamberlin, Robert Fundraiser of $100,000 $1,219,000 $156,304
Weiss, Jeffrey Fundraiser $1,140,000 $15,800
D'Amato, Alfonse Fundraiser of $250,000 $1,100,000 $11,500



(1) http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/CBCD3A48-4B0E-4864-8BE1-D04561C132EA.htm.


(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 June 2008.

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