"Energy industry donors made significant investments in the re-election bids of both Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) during the final months of 2013, while also opening their checkbooks to boost a trio of Republicans seeking seats where veteran Democratic senators are retiring."

"According to new campaign finance reports, various oil and gas industry political action committees contributed about $50,000 to both McConnell and Landrieu, while also giving thousands to GOP candidates in West Virginia, Montana and South Dakota. Energy donors also backed Sen. Mark Begich (D) in fourth-quarter fundraising."

Jennifer Yachnin reports for Greenwire February 17, 2014. [2]