Bilbray, Issa Drink Sempra’s bitter brew

Who has been the biggest recipient of Senate campaign cash from Sempra Energy’s political action committee this year? According to figures compiled by the OpenSecrets.org, as of October 3, it’s none other than majority leader Harry Reid, the embattled Democrat from Nevada who polls show is currently running neck and neck with Tea Party favorite Sharron Angle. Reid got $5000 from Sempra, as did Richard Burr, a Republican from North Carolina. A major Tea Party victim, Alaska GOP incumbent Lisa Murkowski, who lost her primary battle, got $4500. Utah GOP senator Bob Bennett, who also lost out to a Tea Party–backed candidate, got $1000. Democrat Barbara Boxer picked up $1000. Democratic L.A. congressman Xavier Becerra, vice chair of the Democratic caucus and a big friend of the energy industry, was top recipient on the House side, with a cool $10,000. Back in August, according to the Huffington Post, Becerra was guest of honor at a fund-raiser in the Washington offices of the American Gas Association. The Post reported that an invitation headlined “Energy Industry Breakfast” featured a list of utility industry powerhouses, including PG&E, Edison International, and Sempra Energy. Among the local delegation, Republicans Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray each got $3500. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee picked up $10,000, the Moderate Democrats PAC received $5000, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee got $5500.