So far this year, the industry has given nearly $7 million, most of it to Republicans.

The coal mining industry gave $3.8 million, 88 percent of it to Republicans.

In the late 1990s, that changed with more money being given to Republicans than Democrats (1996 and 1998 election cycles).

The group is not officially affiliated with either political party, but has given much more support to Republicans than to Democrats.

The groups traditionally gave to Republicans because they were viewed as more friendly to industry.

The industry gave $2.7million to Republicans last year and $938,000 to Democrats.

They give contributions to incumbent Republicans, too, and many also receive state contracts.

Before that, businesses gave to both parties; now they give more exclusively to Republicans.

So far this year, tobacco interests have given $2 million to Republicans and $503,000 to Democrats.

In the last election cycle, they note, the company gave 80 percent of its contributions to Republicans.