LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas has received more campaign contributions from transportation associations and related businesses this year than years past.
The rise in donations comes during Westerman’s first term as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported .
Norita Taylor, a spokesman, for the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, said their organization made a donation to Westerman because his support for small business.
“Lawmakers seldom miss an opportunity to tout how much they support small businesses,” Taylor said. “When push comes to shove, some do, some don’t. We try to recognize those who really do. Rep. Westerman has demonstrated a genuine interest in helping our members overcome certain regulatory burdens.”
The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association donated $1,500 to Westerman’s campaign in February.
Westerman has collected about $34,000 from the shippers and transit employee groups so far this year. Last year, he collected about $5,000 from transportation groups. That’s compared to the about $11,500 he collected in 2015, and the about $1,500 he acquired in 2014 when he first ran for office.
Donations from transportation groups represent about 10 percent of nearly $345,000 in donations to Westerman’s 2018 campaign.
Donations from transportation organizations to the Arkansas congressional delegation have risen in the second quarter. From January to March, about $30,500 went to those candidates’ campaign funds. In the second quarter, the amount was about $42,000.
___
Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, https://www.arkansasonline.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.