tobacco and political money

[Greg Nowell]

I refer readers to the article on Rep. Burton at
http://www.salonmagazine.com .   The esteemed
Congressman keeps detailed accounts not just of who
contributes who much, but how they split their
contributions between the parties.  This is backed up
by newspapers reports of Senators who want $10k to ahve
breakfast with them and old but highly relevant studies
such as Jack Anderson's Case Against Congress which
details a great number of venalities.

Against this backdrop, we would have to say, that the
money pouring into Congress from Tobacco is indeed
significant.  Moreover, I still find it remarkable that
my observation that tobacco is 3% of the total is huge
carries no weight with some.  Indeed, consider that RJR
Nabisco can also contribute as an industrial or cereal
interest or whatever.  I merely observe, that when my
union brings in a 3% cost of livng raise, it is a cause
for celebration; and when Cuomo docked state workers
10% for 10 weeks, he lost the next election (there were
considerable defections among state workers).

I do think that in the context of hundreds of millions
3% is a big deal.  I recently contributed to the local
public radio station $150 instead of my usual $50, and
it was amazing how solicitous they were in comparison
to the smaller donation.  And that was a mere one-tenth
of one-percent of their fund drive goal.  Fund raising
is fund raising.   Elected representatives are in a
situation similar to that of a fund-raising charity.

I also think the official contribution numbers are
probably the tip of the iceberg.

--
Gregory P. Nowell
Associate Professor
Department of Political Science, Milne 100
State University of New York
135 Western Ave.
Albany, New York 12222

Fax 518-442-5298