Big Finance's 10 Favorite Lawmakers (for Now)
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Here's how to reap Wall Street's largesse on Capitol Hill: Represent New York, sit on a financial committee, hold a leadership position—or, if you're Chuck Schumer, trifecta!
|
LEGISLATOR |
DONATIONS FROM |
WHY WALL STREET WANTS |
|
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) |
$1,735,900 |
The Street's favorite Dem fought regs for derivatives, credit ratings, and accounting |
|
Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) |
$1,019,110 |
As majority leader, signed off on TARP; all finance-related bills need his approval |
|
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) |
$944,950 |
Junior senator voted against the bailout twice—perhaps she'll come around |
|
$745,698 |
Once a deregulation fan, he's now facing a reeelction fight—and pushing for reforms |
|
|
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) |
$499,197 |
Minority whip's October '09 (!) op-ed said Americans underappreciate derivatives |
|
$458,008 |
Used to retool bankrupt companies for conservative billionaire Philip Anschutz |
|
|
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) |
$423,873 |
Ex-VP at Goldman Sachs, member of pro-business New Democrat Coalition |
|
$409,300 |
As ag committee chair, she must sign off on any new derivative regulations |
|
|
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) |
$382,349 |
Financial Services Committee chair has called for "death panels" for failing firms |
|
Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Ill.) |
$364,875 |
Tried to weaken consumer protection bill, voted against taxing giant AIG bonuses |
|
Source: Center for Responsive Politics (donations as of 10/25/09) |
||
This chart is part of Mother Jones' coverage of the financial crisis, one year later.
Learn more about Wall Street's accountability deficit.
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