As the Nov. 4 elections draw near, the construction industry and labor unions are pouring millions of dollars into federal candidates’ campaigns. With Democrats expected to increase their Senate and House majorities and their presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), ahead in the polls, there is a shift in construction spending. Most of industry’s dollars still go to the GOP, but Democrats have gained ground. Unions are sending an even larger share of their dollars to Democrats’ campaigns than in 2004, the last presidential election year.
Reports so far this year show construction companies and associations contributed $64.2 million, compared with $72.1 million for the full 2004 cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Construction unions contributed $14.2 million, already topping the $13.5 million they spent in 2004. Republicans are receiving 64% of construction spending, down from 72% in 2004. Unions so far have given 91% of their campaign dollars to Democrats, up from 88% in 2004.