Money Talks

The Charlotte Observer   July 7, 2005  
 
MBNA, bank combined rank 12th in gifts in past 15 years
 
Jim Morrill, Staff Writer
 
Bank of America’s acquisition of credit card giant MBNA could bring it
not only new clout in the financial industry but also in politics.

The $35 billion deal announced last week would unite two of the nation’s
biggest political contributors and could give the bank more leverage in
pushing their legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.

According to the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics, the
combined companies and their employees have given federal candidates and
parties nearly $22 million over the past 15 years — making the combined
company America’s top corporate contributor.

Their total contributions would rank 12th among all organizational
donors, behind only labor unions and trade groups.

"This purchase will result in a company that has more influence than
even the two companies did before," said Center spokesman Steve Weiss.
"And that creates an uneven playing field with players who can’t afford
to give millions of dollars … each year."

For the whole article, go to:
<http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/business/industries/12071766.htm>

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