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Defense Contractors Hedge Bets on Incumbent Democrats

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

With the mid-term elections approaching, defense companies are investing heavily in Democratic lawmakers, even those who have been critical of the industry at times. The top recipient of defense contributions is House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, who remains in a tight battle for an 18th term in Congress. Skelton's district includes several major defense contractors, and his battle against Republican Vicky Hartzler has been dubbed a "toss up" by The Cook Political Report. The defense industry is hedging its bets, recognizing that most incumbents will be reelected and that the replacements may not be as favorable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defense contractors are donating heavily to incumbent Democrats on military committees, with the top recipient being House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton.
  • Skelton's district includes several major defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics.
  • Skelton has pushed back against defense contractors with over-budget and behind-schedule programs.
  • Fellow HASC members facing tough reelection battles include Reps. John Spratt (D-S.C.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.).
  • Defense companies' employees have rewarded Skelton with $362,000 in campaign contributions.
  • Skelton's top contributors are Lockheed Martin ($104,000), General Dynamics ($94,000), Boeing ($74,000), Northrop Grumman ($63,000), and Finmeccanica SpA ($51,000).
  • Reps. John Spratt and Gene Taylor, who are facing tough reelection battles, have received $112,000 and $54,700 from defense contractors, respectively.
  • Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, notes that defense contractors are hedging their bets with campaign contributions.
  • Election analysts are predicting Republicans will win control of the House and its committees, although the Senate and its panels will remain steered by Democrats.
  • Senator Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) will become HASC chairman if Republicans take over the House and has received $286,000 from defense workers.

Statistics:

  • House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton received $362,000 from defense contractors, the highest amount of any lawmaker this election cycle.
  • Skelton's district includes Whiteman Air Force Base, the Army's Ft. Leonard Wood, the Missouri National Guard's headquarters, and defense contractors including Boeing.
  • The Cook Political Report has dubbed Skelton's battle against Republican Vicky Hartzler a "toss up."
  • The Rothenberg Political Report's Oct. 22 House ratings labeled the battle for Missouri's Fourth congressional district a "toss up/tilt Democrat."
  • Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.) received $112,000 from defense contractors.
  • Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) received $54,700 from defense contractors.
  • Defense companies' employees have donated $2.1 million to Boeing, the top recipient of defense contributions this election cycle.

Sources:

  • "CRP analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) campaign finance reports"
  • "The Cook Political Report"
  • "The Rothenberg Political Report"
  • "Rasmussen Reports survey"
  • "Defense Daily"
  • "Taxpayers for Common Sense"

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