Big Finance’s 10 Favorite Lawmakers (for Now)

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$1,150,000

$1,350,000

Right now is no time to come up short. It's time to fight like hell for a democracy where minority rule cannot impose an extreme and cruel agenda, where facts matter, and where accountability at the polls and in the press has a fighting chance. We have our work cut out for us, and we still need to raise upwards of 400,000 by June 30 to give it everything we can. Please help:

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Here’s how to reap Wall Street’s largesse on Capitol Hill: Represent New York, sit on a financial committee, hold a leadership position—or, if you’re Chuck Schumer, trifecta!

LEGISLATOR	DONATIONS FROM BIG FINANCE, 2009	WHY WALL STREET WANTS HIS/HER ATTENTION
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)	$1,735,900	The Street’s favorite Dem fought regs for derivatives, credit ratings, and accounting
Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)	$1,019,110	As majority leader, signed off on TARP; all finance-related bills need his approval
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)	$944,950	Junior senator voted against the bailout twice—perhaps she’ll come around
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)	$745,698	Once a deregulation fan, he’s now facing a reeelction fight—and pushing for reforms
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.)	$499,197	Minority whip’s October ’09 (!) op-ed said Americans underappreciate derivatives
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)	$458,008	Used to retool bankrupt companies for conservative billionaire Philip Anschutz
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.)	$423,873	Ex-VP at Goldman Sachs, member of pro-business New Democrat Coalition
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.)	$409,300	As ag committee chair, she must sign off on any new derivative regulations
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.)	$382,349	Financial Services Committee chair has called for “death panels” for failing firms
Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Ill.)	$364,875	Tried to weaken consumer protection bill, voted against taxing giant AIG bonuses
Source: Center for Responsive Politics (donations as of 10/25/09)