The new telecommunications deregulation law passed by Congress earlier this year has inspired a rash of mergers between telecom giants. Several federal agencies are responsible for approving these merger proposals. These companies have a lot at stake - but so do the candidates who depend on their generous campaign contributions. All figures represent data available for the 1996 election cycle from the FEC as of July 2, 1996.
Totals reflect contributions to federal candidates and national party committees.
Both labor unions and citizen groups oppose the move, claiming that it will cause job and service standards to decline. Money in Politics Alert Vol.