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Koch Brothers' Influence on US Politics: A Close Look at Their Lobbying Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Columbus, OH - As U.S. Senator Rob Portman prepares to speak at the Koch brothers' summit in Columbus this Saturday, research has uncovered the extent of the billionaires' lobbying efforts in support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Ohio Democratic Party has accused Portman of being beholden to the Koch brothers, who have spent up to $40 million lobbying on the free trade deal. This lobbying effort, which spans from 2013 to 2015, has raised questions about the influence of big money in US politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Koch brothers have spent up to $40 million lobbying on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC reporting expenditures of up to $42.9 million between 2013 and 2015.
  • Senator Rob Portman has received $12,000 in campaign donations from the Koch brothers and their PAC, sparking accusations of being beholden to big money interests.
  • The Koch brothers have a history of outsourcing American jobs, with as many as 3,000 Koch workers losing their jobs due to outsourcing or the negative effects of trade.
  • Just one month after buying a company in 2013, the Kochs laid off 175 American workers and sent their jobs to Mexico, highlighting the potential consequences of trade deals like NAFTA and TPP.
  • The Koch brothers spent $1.4 million on misleading attack ads against former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who leads Portman in the latest public polling.

Statistics:

  • The Koch brothers have spent up to $42.9 million lobbying on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) between 2013 and 2015.
  • Senator Rob Portman has received $12,000 in campaign donations from the Koch brothers and their PAC.
  • 3,000 Koch workers have been affected by outsourcing or the negative effects of trade deals.
  • 175 American workers were laid off by the Kochs just one month after they bought a company in 2013.
  • The Koch brothers spent $1.4 million on attack ads against Ted Strickland in 2023.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure Database, Client: "Koch," Issue: "Trans-Pacific Partnership"
  • Ohio Democratic Party press release
  • Editorial@plusmediasolutions.com

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