Moderate Democrats are making a killing from energy company donations, as the companies seek to buy influence in Congress ahead of key environmental votes. I've posted some thoughts over at Political Climate:
Of course, cash doesn’t come for free: The energy companies are hoping to bank karma ahead of coming floor votes. It’s a tactic that’s worked for them in the past: Centrists have already forced Democratic leaders to dilute environmental legislation on issues like renewable energy and auto-fuel efficiency standards. Now the energy sector - and their Blue Lapdogs - are eying long-awaited climate legislation, hoping to scale back emission cuts and pencil in big subsidies for the coal and nuclear industries.In response, the Democratic leadership plans to hold over the legislation until after the November election, when it expects to win a heftier majority. The truth of the matter, though, is that if the Democrats expand their majority this November, it’ll largely be by fielding moderate candidates capable of winning red-state seats. As long as the energy sector keeps its wallet open, it’ll continue to have plenty of friends on the Hill.
More here.
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