It’s Not That Big Oil Is Making Political Contributions, It’s That They’re Making Contributions To The Wrong People

Tweet

Written By:
Rob Port

Jul 16, 2012
10:15am

Earlier today I posted about this Forum Communications article by North Dakota’s most biased reporter Kristen Daum noting that it was strange how Daum and the Democrats seem to be coordinating talking points about oil money in state politics.

Just a coincidence, I’m sure.

Anyway, a reader points out that, per the article, some of the Democrats seem to be conflicted about “big oil” money and I thought the observation was worth of a post of its own.

Case in point, liberal House candidate Pam Gulleson first sounds wistful about having some support from the oil/gas industry:

“The oil industry has made a determination to put their money behind Republicans, and I think that’s unfortunate when I look at my own background in energy,”…

Then she rails against money from “big oil” in general:

…adding that she’s “concerned overall with the amount of money in politics.” “You shouldn’t be able to buy seats in Congress,” Gulleson added. “When you think about why people run for office, it should be based on your interest in advancing policy for all people, not for certain interest groups, not for big oil.”

One gets the idea that “big oil” wouldn’t be so bad if they gave more to Democrats.

In fact, I think that’s the real problem here. It’s not that “big oil” is making political contributions. For Democrats and their allies at Forum Communications, it’s that “big oil” isn’t making political contributions to the right people.