MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Nearly four years after the Gulf oil spill, a political action committee associated with BP oil company is contributing to Alabama politicians’ campaigns.
Campaign contribution reports show a BP employee PAC gave $1,000 to Republican Gov. Robert Bentley; and $2,000 to Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard of Auburn, The Anniston Star reported (https://bit.ly/NusWy3 ). The PAC also gave $500 each to Republican Rep. Terri Collins of Decatur, Republican Rep. Micky Hammon of Decatur, Republican Rep. Ed Henry of Decatur, Republican Rep. Ken Johnson of Moulton, Republican Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur, and Democratic Sen. Vivian Davis Figures of Mobile,
On the federal level, a BP employee PAC reported giving $3,000 to Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions; $2,000 to Republican Sen. Richard Shelby; and $1,000 each to Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell and Republican Reps. Mo Brooks and Martha Roby. The PAC tried to give $1,000 to Republican Rep. Bradley Byrne, but he returned it.
Politicians listed the donations from BP PAC and PB North American Employee PAC.
A company spokesman said BP supports 2,600 jobs in Alabama.
“Our employees are keenly interested in energy and business issues in Alabama and other states,” spokesman Scott Dean told The Anniston Star.
Henry said BP operates a chemical plant in Decatur that is one of the city’s largest employers.
The BP oil spill wiped out much of the summer 2010 tourist season on the Alabama coast. BP helped the coastal restaurants, hotels and attractions recover with an extensive advertising campaign.
BP campaign contributions to Alabama politicians disappeared after the oil spill, but they began reappearing in the next election cycle. For instance, Republican Rep. Spencer Bachus received $3,000 for his last re-election to Congress in 2010.
Hubbard said BP is a good corporate citizen in Alabama.
“Obviously, everybody knows about the oil spill. It was an accident and unfortunate, but I don’t believe anybody can say that BP hasn’t gone above and beyond to make reparations,” he said.
Glen Browder, a former congressman and retired political science professor from Anniston, said, “At this point, I don’t think it’s going to give anybody a black eye.”
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Information from: The Anniston Star, https://www.annistonstar.com/
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