Association trumps all in lobbying spending so far in 2012
So far in 2012, a trade association leads in lobbying spending. Overall, seven associations make the top 20 in lobbying spending to date in 2012.
The Center for Responsive Politics, Washington, compiled the list of top spenders on lobbying so far in the U.S. The U.S. Chamber is at top with $26,360,000, followed by a distant AT&T, $7,050,000 and the National Association of Realtors, $6,081,145. Here is the complete list of top-20 spenders on lobbying in 2012:
US Chamber - $26,360,000
AT&T - $7,050,000
National Association of Realtors - $6,081,145
General Electric - $5,890,000
Blue Cross/Blue Shield - $5,377,500
Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America - $5,340,000
Google - $5,030,000
American Medical Association - $4,730,000
Comcast - $4,600,000
Verizon Communications - $4,510,000
Merck & Co. - $4,490,000
American Hospital Association - $4,365,200
National Cable & Telecommunications Association - $4,280,000
National Assn of Broadcasters - $4,230,000
Exxon Mobil - $4,170,000
Boeing - $4,150,000
Northrop Grumman - $4,070,000
Southern Co - $4,040,000
Lockheed Martin - $3,979,250
United Technologies - $3,920,000.
Details: www.opensecrets.org.
