LOL!! Abbey-- call this covering all bases,,
Apr 08, 2000 (AP Online via COMTEX) --Microsoft has become a generous campaign
contributor to both political parties, although the company leans in the
direction of the Republicans, who control both houses of Congress.
The company and its employees have contributed $727,850 in unregulated soft
money since Jan. 1, 1999, or almost as much as the $774,816 given between Jan.
1, 1997, and Dec. 31, 1998, says the Center for Responsive Politics, a
nonpartisan research group. Microsoft gave 53 percent of its money, $386,600, to
Republicans and the remaining $341,250, or 47 percent, to Democrats.
Two years ago, however, the company had a definite Republican tilt, giving 81
percent of its soft money, $629,816, to the GOP and just 19 percent, $145,000,
to the Democrats.
Microsoft's PAC also leans Republican, but again has been more evenhanded
recently. GOP congressional candidates received $60,500 (54 percent) to $52,000
for the Democrats (46 percent) in 1999-2000. Two years ago, Republicans received
$140,250, or 66 percent, while Democrats received $71,750, or 34 percent.
Company employees contributed $37,550 to Texas Gov. George W. Bush and $20,500
to Vice President Al Gore.
Microsoft also has bulked up its congressional lobbying since the government
filed its antitrust case.
In 1996, the company spent $1.16 million, according to the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, which tracks such figures. In 1997, it jumped to $2.1 million,
and in 1998 it increased to $3.7 million.
Last year, the company's lobbying budget was $4.66 million, better than
quadruple the figure before the case was filed.
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