Local Campaign Contributions; What Can You Buy?

[kiteinthewind]

Recently, I was doing a Google search to find an Independence (Missouri) business address, and as it turns out, the first link on my search led me to a list of Independence businesses and residents who had made campaign donations. I was distressed to note that my mayor, and a proclaimed Democrat, Ron Stewart had donated to the campaign of Senator Kit Bond; you know him, probably, as one of the 9 senators who voted against the McCain Anti-Torture bill. This, of course, took me aback, as well as made me a little nauseated! Last week, I went to Jeff City to spend a couple hours ranting to my state representative about a variety of issues and I mentioned what I had found about my mayor. He was not at all surprised and told me that Mr. Stewart was probably looking for federal funds for development of the Little Blue Valley area in Independence, which apparently happened, to the tune of over $30 million bucks! Now, while I am certainly not opposed to development in our town, I am reminded of the Abramoff debacle and what it means to be a Republican politician: You want help? Slap me some green and it’s a done deal! Aren't our senators and representatives SUPPOSED to be working for us? Isn't that what they are ALREADY paid to do?

Now, the point of my sharing this information with you is that I suggest that each of you get on the 'net and do some research. You will be amazed by what you can find. See who the CEO's of your local businesses are supporting. I have put two links below to help you get started. Since I found this information inadvertently, imagine what I can do when I put my mind to it.

Helpful Links:

www.city-data.com

Choose your state then city and scroll down about halfway to the link titled
"Political Contributions by Individuals in "

or
http://www.campaignmoney.com/

also, from Proud2blib http://www.fundrace.org/neighbors.php

Happy Hunting! :dem:

[scratchtasia]

1. Sutherland Lumber

I replied over in the Kansas forum--don't shop at Sutherland's! And http://www.opensecrets.org is another good site. See the KS forum for more.

[pstokely]

2. At least Sutherlands is local

unlike Home Depot (also a Big Repuke donor)

[scratchtasia]

4. Home Depot

Yeah, Home Depot is a huge contributor to the Thugs, in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sutherland's contributes tens of thousands, but they're a much smaller operation.

For hardware, I try Ace Hardware first--according to BuyBlue.org, they only contributed a minuscule $300 to Thugs in the last election.

I don't buy lumber or building materials, so I don't know the alternatives there. Lowe's only contributed about $6000 to Thugs in the last election . . . small potatoes in a relative sense.

[kiteinthewind]

3. Thanks for the info, Scratch!

I will check it out! We really need to be diligent about them. Hit 'em where it hurts! They're all about money and greed!
:dem: