BP's Political Action Committee Donated to House Energy Committee Member, Several California State C

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2010/06/exclusive-political-action-committe.html

BP's Political Action Committee Donated to House Energy Committee Member, Several California State Candidates in May

Energy company BP has been at the center of a political firestorm since an oil rig it was operating in the Gulf of Mexico exploded and began spewing crude into the surrounding waters on April 20. But that hasn't stopped its political action committee from raising funds and distributing money to candidates.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics' review of a monthly campaign finance report filed today with the Federal Election Commission Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas), a member of the House Energy Committee, was the sole federal beneficiary of BP's PAC between May 1 and May 31.

Gonzalez collected $1,000 from BP's PAC on May 19. His office did not immediately return messages left seeking comment.

(Update 5:05 PM: Gonzalez will not accept the money from BP's PAC, said Patricia Park, the congressman's spokeswoman. "He was aware of it, the donation, and we have already returned the check to BP. It was never cashed," Park said, adding that she did not know when Gonzalez became aware of the donation or specifically when he returned the check.)

In May, the group also donated to nine state-level candidates in California.


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