[atonse]

I’ve heard this for decades now.

But how do they rank in importance compared to other juggernauts like the teachers unions, NRA, or United Auto Workers, Planned Parenthood? Not to mention individual lobbyists for massive companies? because the latter dominate discourse during elections.

[FireBeyond]

When was the last time you had to sign an agreement not to boycott gun fairs or a car manufacturer, for a job?

Planned Parenthood? You mean the healthcare-providing entity that has been entirely defunded by this administration?

[atonse]

But are there movements to boycott those other groups? The BDS movement seems to be only about boycotting Israel right?

[rexpop]

Here’s a simple summary of the main lobbying and campaign spending numbers discussed:

- AIPAC: Gave $17 million to 365 candidates in one recent year.

- Teachers Unions (NEA and AFT): Campaign donations grew from $4.3 million (2004) to over $32 million (2016).

- NRA: Spent ~$10 million/yr on candidates since 2010; $30 million for Trump in 2016.

- United Auto Workers (UAW): Spent ~$8/yr million on politics and lobbying since 2010.

- Planned Parenthood: About $1 million on federal lobbying in 2024.

- Corporate/Industry Lobbyists: Often spend many millions each quarter—generally exceeding any of the above groups.

Corporate and industry groups lead in total money spent, followed by the NRA, teachers unions, AIPAC, UAW, and then Planned Parenthood.