Sirius/XM - Part Two: Campaign Conflicts of Interest

I had no intentions of continuing this story further...until I did some digging.

It should come as no surprise that the NAB is a major congressional campaign contributor:

"Merger watcher David Trout with M&A Researcher notes that 'this type of concerted political opposition to a merger transaction is extremely rare.' Trout also points out that many of the lawmakers are supported by the National Association of Broadcasters."

The whole letter and list of lawmakers who oppose the merger can be found here. A list of contributions given to members of congress by the National Association of Broadcasters' PAC can be found here for 2007-2008 and here for 2005-2006.

Here are the names of the lawmakers who oppose the merger and receive campaign contributions from the NAB:

Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Lee Terry (R-NE)
Tom Cole (R-OK)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Don Manzullo (R-IL)
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Ray LaHood (R-IL)
Zach Wamp (R-TN)
Frank LoBiondo (R-NY)
Greg Walden (R-OR)
James Jordan (R-OH)
Gary Miller (R-CA)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
James Sensenbrenner (R-WI)
Gene Green (D-TX)
Charlie Wilson (D-OH)
Melissa Bean (D-IL)
Jim Matheson (D-UT)
David Scott (D-GA)
Baron Hill (D-IN)
John Sprat (D-SC)
Nick Lampson (D-TX)
Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX)
Mike Ross (D-AR)
Mike Michaud (D-ME)
John Barrow (D-GA)
GK Butterfield (D-NC)
Gabrielle Gifford (D-AZ)
Allen Boyd (D-FL)
Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
Zach Space (D-OH)
Bart Gordon (D-TN)
Tom Allen (D-ME)
Marion Berry (D-AR)
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
Albert Wynn (D-MD)

Twenty three Democrats and fifteen Republicans signed the letter opposing the merger, while at the same time, taking political contributions from the National Association of Broadcasters. MORE THAN HALF of the 72 signatures were from people fostering a conflict of interest to some degree. If your representative appears on this list (mine does), contact that individual and inquire about their ethics. Let them know that you don't support their position, especially when it's bought. You can write your representative here, or call (202) 224-3121.