Look where their money comes from

Published 1:03 pm Monday, February 4, 2008

On Feb. 9, the Republicans will select half and the Democrats all of their elected delegates from Washington to the national conventions. In making my choice, I will consider the wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

To inspect the treasuries of the four leading candidates, go to opensecrets.org. The Center for Responsive Politics, using information submitted to the Federal Election Commission, has totaled the contributions of PACs and individuals giving more than $200 for 19 industries.

Their figures show that Sen. Hillary Clinton leads all candidates in contributions obtained from commercial banks, health professionals, health services, hedge funds and private equities, hospitals and nursing homes, lawyers and law firms, lobbyists, pharmaceuticals and health products, real estate, securities and investments, and tobacco.

Sen. Barack Obama leads all candidates in contributions from computers and Internet, education, retired, TV and music, and miscellaneous health.

Sen. John McCain leads in casinos and gambling, and telephone utilities.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney leads in oil and gas, and insurance.

There is one category — lobbyists — where every voter should look at the actual totals. Sen. Clinton has received $567,950; Sen. McCain $340,365; Gov. Romney $229,475; and Sen. Obama $76,859.

I want my president to be looking out for my family, my community, and my country, not for lobbyists. I choose Sen. Barack Obama.

Lynn Petersen