“Free speech” protecting alcohol wholesalers from competition
Report: Texas Alcohol Wholesalers Lead the Nation in Political Contributions | Reuters
According to a new report issued today by the Specialty Wine Retailers Association, Texas alcohol wholesalers contributed $6,976,104 to state political campaigns between 2000 and 2006, more than wholesalers in any other state in the country.
Now why would they contribute so much?
Report: Texas Alcohol Wholesalers Lead the Nation in Political Contributions | Reuters
In 2007 Texas alcohol wholesalers were able to push through legislation that stripped Texas consumers of the right to have wine shipped to them from retailers outside their own county. This followed on the heels of legislation being passed in Texas that prohibited all Texans from purchasing and having shipped to them wine from out-of-state retailers, a move that serves to protect Texas wholesalers from competition while severely limiting Texans’ access to wine and increases prices.
And just what does it cost to get that kind of legislation? According to Follow the Money, in 2006, BG Distribution Partners contributed $100,000 to Rick Perry and $55,000 to Tom Craddick. I guess this means Craddick doesn’t live in a dry county. So with that kind of money being spent, how much do you think your vote counts for?
Technorati Tags: Campaign Finance, Campaign Reform, Texas Alcohol Wholesalers, Rick Perry, Tom Craddick
Filed under: Campaign Finance, Campaign Reform, Rick Perry, Texas Alcohol Wholesalers, Tom Craddick
