Money in Politics Research Action Project
917 SW Oak St. #402, Portland, OR  97205   (503) 283-1922   Fax (503) 283-1877  miprap@oregonfollowthemoney.org
 
For immediate release 
February 22, 2002 		For more information contact
 Janice Thompson 503-283-1922 miprap@oregonfollowthemoney.org

Alcohol Industry Contributions Given to 78 of 90 Oregon Legislators

Detailed Information on Alcohol and Tobacco Contributions to Legislators Available

The alcohol industry gave $202,853 in campaign contributions during the last two elections to 87% of legislators currently serving in Salem. This sector spent much more, $1,047,066, on lobbying over the last 3 years. The tobacco industry also spent more on lobbying, $728,135, as well as giving $126,410 to over half of Oregon's legislators. Both sectors also gave money to Oregon's leadership PACs.

Detailed alcohol and tobacco campaign contribution data and lobbying data available at: www.oregonfollowthemoney.org/issues.html

Senate President Gene Derfler was the top recipient of alcohol and tobacco industry contributions with $20,050 received during his 1998 election. House Speaker Mark Simmons received the highest level of contributions from this sector, $17,190, during his last 2 elections. Senator Lee Beyer, now a Public Utilities Commissioner, was the top Democratic recipient, receiving $4,350. Representative Dan Gardner received $8,725 over his most recent 2 elections and was the top Democratic recipient of funding from this sector.
 
Industry Lobbying expenditures

1999-2001

 1998-2000 contributions to current legislators 2000 contributions to leadership PACs
Beer, Wine, Liquor
$1,047,066
$202,853
$16,262
Contributions to 78 of 90 Legislators = 87%
% to Dems
% to Repubs
19%
81%
Tobacco
$728,135
$126,410
$75,270
Contributions to 48 of 90 Legislators = 53%
% to Dems
% to Repubs
41%
59%
Sector Totals
$1,775,201
$329,263
$91,532
Total Political Spending from Alcohol and Tobacco Interests
$2,195,996

Both Governor Kitzhaber's and the legislative budgets make cuts. Budget discussions between legislative leaders and Kitzhaber, however, are stalled over how to add money to the budget. The Governor is pushing for a 50-cent per pack increase in cigarette taxes and a 5 cents per drink increase in beer and wine taxes. Oregon's cigarette taxes are the lowest on the West Coast. Oregon's beer and wine taxes rank 49th and 45th lowest in the country.

A national poll indicated that 87% of voters believe that when a politician receives special interest contributions his or her vote is affected on issues of concern to those groups.