Let’s look at where the real money is coming from, and whether it’s supporting labor or capital, shall we?
[formatting issues, but click on the link]
Grand Total Democrats Republicans Dem % Repub %
Business $698,136,635 $295,238,284 $398,886,016 43% 57%
Labor $284,017 $272,187 $8,855 97% 3%
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The broadest classification of political donors separates them into business, labor, or ideological interests. Whatever slice you look at, business interests dominate, with an overall advantage over organized labor of about 15-to-1.
Even among PACs – the favored means of delivering funds by labor unions – business has a more than 3-to-1 fundraising advantage. In soft money, the ratio is nearly 17-to-1.
An important caveat must be added to these figures: “business” contributions from individuals are based on the donor’s occupation/employer. Since nearly everyone works for someone, and since union affiliation is not listed on FEC reports, totals for business are somewhat overstated, while labor is understated. Still, the base of large individual donors is predominantly made up of business executives and professionals. Contributions under $200 are not included in these numbers, as they are not itemized.
