No Logos, but Corporate Representation at Obama's Inauguration

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/01/no-logos-but-corporate-represe.html

Depressed Finance Sector Still Contributes $7 Million, Center's pre-inauguration analysis finds

WASHINGTON--There won't be any corporate advertising on the dais, but a number of major corporations and influential industries will be represented at Barack Obama's inauguration by individuals who've contributed as much as $50,000 apiece--and bundled up to $300,000--to underwrite the festivities. According to a new analysis of inaugural donors by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, individuals associated with Microsoft, Google, Citigroup and many more companies are among the upcoming event's biggest contributors.

"While Americans are hoping for real change in Washington, many deep-pocketed donors are hoping money still buys them access and influence," said Sheila Krumholz, the Center's executive director. "If history is any guide, these wealthy individuals, as well as the corporations and industries they represent, may more than recoup their investment in Obama through presidential appointments, favorable legislation and government contracts."

The struggling finance, insurance and real estate sector still managed to pull together at least $7.1 million in contributions for Obama's inauguration, leading all sectors in giving. Financier George Soros and his extended family contributed at least $250,000. The miscellaneous business sector, which ranges from retailers to liquor companies and advertising firms, is next, donating $4.9 million, followed by $3.3 million from the communications and electronics sector, which includes technology companies. Lawyers and lobbyists have given $3 million. (As he did during the campaign, Obama is refusing contributions from registered federal lobbyists but accepts money from their family members and coworkers who aren't registered.)

More at the link above ---

[arcadian]

1. Corporations will destroy this nation.

n/t

[BR_Parkway]

2. Citicorp? At least they're using our money for something decent for once

as opposed to bonus checks to overpaid business failures.