Ag Chair Lincoln Near Top for Utility Campaign Contributions

"One of three Democratic senators who supports blocking U.S. EPA's ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants draws one of the highest amounts of campaign contributions from electric utilities.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) received $162,202 from utilities since 2005, placing her fifth overall for power plant money among senators seeking re-election this year, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics.

Contributions from power companies came during a period where Congress has considered a number of sweeping climate and energy bills. Lincoln chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee and also sits on the Energy & Natural Resources and Finance committees, giving her votes on policies affecting rural electricity service, energy businesses and taxes."

Anne C. Mulkern reports for Greenwire March 2, 2010.