Trucking Political Contributions Lean Mostly to the Right

While it may not come as a surprise that the trucking industry favored the Republican Party in the upcoming election as it has for 13 consecutive election cycles, this year saw an 82% preference for the GOP when it came to campaign contributions.  The Center for Responsive Politics report that 82% of donations were given GOP candidates, leaving only 18% for Democratic Party candidates.  Interestingly enough however, the donations given to each party’s nominees are lower than their predecessors. 

While Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump received over $97,000 from donors, that doesn’t come close to the $1.05 million donated to GOP nominee, Mitt Romney in 2012.  Similarly, Democratic nominee for President, Hillary Clinton received slightly more than $72,000, compared with President Barack Obama’s $80,601 in 2012 and $151,864 in 2008.

Additionally, both candidates received less in donations from trucking than their closest competitors, with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) receiving $164,730 and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) $74,158 during primary season. 

Following Sen. Cruz, Republican Rep. Jeff Denham of California received $99,150 to support his reelection for the House of Representatives.  It is believed that he may be the next successor for the head of the House’s Transportation Committee should he win.

Third party candidates saw the smallest contributions this year, with Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party receiving $250 and Jill Stein of the Green Party receiving $200.

In total this season, the trucking industry donated $5.22 million to presidential and congressional candidates.

Major industry contributors include:

1. American Trucking Associations:  $531,100
2. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:  $252,750
3. Crete Carrier Corp.:  $170,165
4. National Tank Truck Carriers:  $149,000
5. Penske:  $144,867
6. Old Dominion:  $125,989
7. Werner Enterprises:  $108,554
8. Schneider National:  $86,256
9. Prime Inc.:  $76,390
10. Paccar:  $73,319

Overall, there has been a decline in donations compared with previous elections.  There are less donations in 2016 compared to $9.98 million in 2012 and $5.9 million in 2008, as well as $7.87 million during the 2014 mid-term elections.

Regardless of your party preference, you can depend on Logistec/TTS to work for you when it comes to maintaining state and federal regulations compliance.  Don’t wait till November to decide, contact us today!

Source:

OverdriveOnline.com