MSN's Money Central identifies the Oil Industry's top 10 Congression
They cite "Data from the FEC as of Sept. 11, 2006. Compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics."
1 Hutchison, Kay Bailey, R-Texas, Senate $258,361
2 Burns, Conrad, R-Mont. Senate $188,775
3 Santorum, Rick, R-Pa. Senate $188,120
4 Bode, Denise, R-Okla. House $153,650
5 Allen, George, R-Va. Senate $148,600
6 Talent, James M., R-Mo. Senate $147,470
7 Cornyn, John, R-Texas Senate $142,750
8 Barton, Joe, R-Texas House $138,450
9 Hastert, Dennis, R-Ill. House, $122,200
10 Pombo, Richard, R-Calif. House, $121,340
It's a long article, but worth the read. Can we tag this gang with "Big Oil's Pal"?
The author pretty much says it all in their opening theme:
Think it's a matter of chance that we don't have a meaningful national energy policy? Wondering why oil and gas companies don't pay higher royalties to the Treasury now that oil is over $55 a barrel? Amazed that Washington loves to talk about energy research with promise 15 years down the road, but won't put significant money into alternative technologies that could reduce energy consumption now?
For answers to all those questions and more, just follow the money. Nothing about U.S. energy policy should be a surprise if you know where the money's been going and which legislators have taken the biggest payouts from the energy industry.