Tech industry doesn't play political favorites
Though Republicans control Congress and the White House, their majorities are too slim to make it wise for high-tech to throw all its support behind them, industry lobbyists say.
In addition, many issues important to the information technology industry trade, intellectual-property rights, stock-option expensing, broadband, education cross party lines.
"There's almost never an issue where the IT industry comes in and says the Democrats are right and the Republicans are wrong, or vice versa," said Harris Miller, president of the Information Technology Association of America.
"That doesn't make either party very happy. Both sides work very hard to try to convince me, to convince us, to convince our members, that they're the right party for the Internet age," Miller said.
From January through June, individuals and political action committees in high-tech gave at least $1.8 million to Republicans and $1.6 million to Democrats on the federal level. That's according to figures compiled by two groups that track campaign finance, the Center for Responsive Politics and PoliticalMoneyLine.
During the same period in the 2001-02 election cycle, before companies themselves were banned from contributing, those involved in high-tech gave at least $3.2 million to Republicans and $2.8 million to Democrats.
Further illustrating the divided leanings, venture capitalist John Doerr, co-founder of group of high-tech executives that throws fund-raisers, has endorsed Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut in the presidential race. Fellow TechNet founder E. Floyd Kvamme backs President Bush, who has named Kvamme by him to a technology advisory council.
Cisco Systems chief executive John Chambers is a staunch GOP donor. Propel Software CEO Steve Kirsch is a prolific Democratic giver.
"We have no intention of losing our bipartisan status," said Donnie Fowler, vice president of Democratic outreach for TechNet, which also has a GOP wing. "Candidates of both parties are coming through Silicon Valley, so that must mean they both feel like they can get activists to participate in their campaigns, to give money."
Kirsch said visits are steady despite an industry downturn that may mean less political money.
"I think there's less, that people are more reluctant to donate money, just because they're feeling their net worth being squeezed," Kirsch said.
The National Republican Congressional Committee held a Silicon Valley fund-raiser during the August congressional recess, collecting at least $40,000. The committee's Democratic counterpart has held several fund-raisers in the region this year, and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California was including high-tech representatives in meetings around the country.
Comments
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...



You can be the first to comment on this story.