web stats

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

To the donors go the spoils

American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) spent $27.075 million - 95% of it to Democrats - to influence the Congress since 1989, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The 56,000-member AAJ battles any attempt at tort reform, including recent proposals to cap awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. It lobbies our Senators and Representatives on legislation that could inhibit the ability of consumers to bring lawsuits. The association favors Democrats, who oppose most attempts to initiate tort reform.

The trial lawyers, however, rank only fifth among the top investors in Congress. Number one is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees ($38 million), AT&T ($36.9 million), National Association of Realtors ($30.3 million), and National Education Association ($27.077 million).

See the full list of influence purchasers here.

You can learn a lot about the rivers of money flowing to Washington that determine how you are permitted to live your life by studying the facts published by the Center for Responsive Politics.

No comments:

Post a Comment