Ohio Democrats Criticize Josh Mandel's Alliance with US Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Insights -

Ohio Democrats are accusing Republican Senate candidate Josh Mandel of relying on the US Chamber of Commerce, a right-wing attack ad group, to distance himself from his anti-middle-class agenda. The Democrats point out that when it comes to protecting massive tax breaks for big oil companies, Mandel favors the interests of the oil industry over the concerns of middle-class Ohioans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Josh Mandel has been criticized by the Ohio Democratic Party for his alliance with the US Chamber of Commerce, a right-wing attack ad group.
  • The Chamber has received funding from just 19 companies, which made up one-third of their 2008 income, but refuses to disclose the identities of its donors.
  • Josh Mandel has voted to protect massive tax breaks for big oil companies, including the five largest oil companies, which would have reduced the deficit by $21 billion over 10 years.
  • The US Chamber of Commerce has received significant funding from big oil companies, including Exxon, which posted over $10 billion in profits for the third consecutive quarter.
  • In contrast, Senator Sherrod Brown voted to repeal tax breaks for the largest oil companies, which would have reduced the deficit and benefited middle-class Ohioans.

Statistics:

  • $21 billion: The estimated deficit reduction over 10 years that would have resulted from repealing tax breaks for the five largest oil companies.
  • $10 billion: The profit posted by Exxon for the third consecutive quarter.
  • 19: The number of companies that made up one-third of the Chamber's 2008 income.
  • 41%: The profit increase posted by Exxon in the third quarter of 2011.
  • 50%: The profit increase posted by Royal Dutch Shell, the second-highest profit increase among major international oil companies.

Sources:

  • CNN: Senate Proposal Would Affect “Just The Five Largest Oil Companies” And Would Have Reduced The Deficit $21 Billion Over 10 Years. (May 12, 2011)
  • Department of Interior: Two-Thirds of Offshore and Half of Onshore Leases Aren’t Being Used. (March 29, 2011)
  • Washington Monthly: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Secret Donors. (July 7, 2010)
  • Los Angeles Times: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Won’t Name Funders. (March 8, 2010)
  • Bloomberg: Exxon Profit Rises to $10 Billion on Higher Oil Prices. (October 27, 2011)