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The Truth-O-Meter Says:
Edwards

"I believe, Senator Clinton, you've raised more money from those people (the oil and gas industry) than any candidate, Democrat or Republican."

John Edwards on Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 in Las Vegas

Not as much as Republicans

John Edwards has targeted Clinton before for taking money from federal lobbyists. (Edwards and Barack Obama do not.) We've previously checked his allegations here that she gets the most money from the health industry, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance companies and defense companies. He was mostly right on those claims.

At the Democratic debate in Las Vegas, Edwards charged Clinton with raising the most money from the oil and gas industry.

But Edwards is a bit off here. Clinton is No. 1 among Democrats, according to the latest data analyzed by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research group that tracks money in politics.

Analyzing contributions from political action committees and individuals filed through Sept. 30, 2007, the center found the following totals from oil and gas companies:

* Rudy Giuliani $545,058

* Mitt Romney $309,933

* Hillary Clinton $220,550

* John McCain $189,935

* Barack Obama $106,112

* Ron Paul $34,102

* John Edwards $27,850

So it's true that Clinton has gotten significantly more than her Democratic rivals, but so far she's also been outraised by Republicans Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. For this reason, we give Edwards' statement only a Half True.

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About this statement:

Published: Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 12:00 a.m.

Subjects: Ethics

Sources:

Center for Responsive Politics, 2008 Presidential Race: Contributions from Selected Industries, data through Sept. 30, 2007

Written by: Angie Drobnic Holan
Researched by: Angie Drobnic Holan
Edited by: Amy Hollyfield

Articles about this statement:
Pulling punches in Vegas

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