Rochester Turning's author and commentators are a-twitter with the sounds of WTF? after reviewing Randy Kuhl's latest campaign finance report. Why would the Sugar Cane and Sugar Beet Political Action Committees (PACs) be giving Randy some, er, sugar?
One theory is that the sugar lobby mixed up Rochester, NY and Rochester, MN, which is in the heart of sugar beet country. Close, but no cigar.
The real answer lies in Randy's committee assignments. He's on the Livestock and Horticulture Subcommittee of the Agriculture Committee. That committee regulates the sugar industry.
So it is all about money and the power of the Republican majority, right? Nope. Check out Democrat Stephanie Herseth's campaign finance report. Stephanie has served in the House for three months more than Randy. She's on the same Ag subcommittee as Randy. And she's gotten big money from the sugar PACs. By the way, Stephanie has raised $300K more than Randy so far this year. He should take lessons from a real pro.
The bottom line is that anybody with normal respiration and sinus rhythm who holds a seat on the Livestock and Horticulture Subcommittee will get thousands of dollars from the sugar lobby. They're not picky about who they buy off, as long as they stay bought.
Comments (1)
Geez. Big Business buying influence! Who figured. It's not very 'fair' to compare someone who is already in committees, and getting donations, against a up and coming opponent.
To me the big question is, if/when Massa gets into office, who is going to be linking his pockets?
Posted by FarMcKon | July 19, 2006 8:20 PM
Posted on July 19, 2006 20:20