Written by JAMES R. CARROLL
Louisville Courier-Journal
WASHINGTON (May 13, 2012) — America’s horse industry has contributed more than $8.7 million to state and federal campaigns and political parties since 1989, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Sunlight Foundation.
Equine-related interests also have spent $2.2 million lobbying in Washington, the foundation said.
Political action committees connected to the Lexington, Ky.-based National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the American Horse Council, as well as horse breeders and owners, contributed to both parties, including the current president of the United States and his predecessor.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has collected more than $130,000 from the industry, making him the top recipient. Former President George W. Bush was second, with $129,000, and President Barack Obama is fourth at $72,000.
The analysis did not include contributions from the nation’s racetracks, including Churchill Downs, its other tracks and Lexington’s Keeneland, because Sunlight considered the tracks as parts of the gaming and casino industry. Read full report >>
:: Horse industry ponies up for political campaigns (report pdf)
RELATED READING
— Ditch Mitch Kentucky, Tuesday’s Horse, Sept. 23, 2008
— Senator threatened USDA over horse inspections, Tuesday’s Horse, Sept. 9, 2008
— McConnell opposed USDA inspectors of sored horses, Tuesday’s Horse, Sept. 2, 2008
Tuesday's Horse 
As to sending the bucks to G. Bush, is he that active in helping the foreign owned slaughter corps? Is he now acting as an active lobby for the horse killing industry? I have not heard that before.
As to buying some influence in government, that has been true forever. I am very surprised that the amount of money is so small. In terms of lobby money, these are tiny amounts. I guess I expected impressive amounts.
Then we can certainly pass the anti-transport/slaughter bills in Congress. We can win this one by persistence and votng and education efforts.
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I believe they are talking Bush’s past presidential campaign. And this is only the money given that is recorded, and does not include the various racetracks etc.
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What McConnell did to stop USDA inspections of sored TN Waklkers was a disgrace and an insult to all of the Kentuckians who love horses. He has never helped horses in all the years he’s been in office as far as I know. I gave him my copy of the book , “After the Finish Line” in person years ago and a stack of info . He probably threw it all away.
Congressman Guthrie (R-KY I think is pro-slaughter and others aren’t helping horses either.
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