Industrial gas and political cash

San Diego–based utility behemoth Sempra Energy has turned to its loyal executives to support some of its political campaign giving. A federally registered campaign fund called the Sempra Energy Employees Political Action Committee has raised $109,117 during the current campaign cycle, according to a July 17 disclosure filing. Contributions have arrived from employees including Southern California Gas company president and chief executive Dennis V. Arriola, who kicked in $632, and senior counsel Georgetta Jordan Baker, with $253. SDG&E senior vice president John Christopher Baker came up with $884. Contributions included $2500 to Ohio Republican senator Rob Portman, $5000 for the HellerHighWater PAC run by Nevada GOP senator Dean Heller, and $4000 to the Denali Leadership PAC, benefiting Alaska Republican senator Lisa Murkowski. California Democratic congressman Alan Lowenthal got $1000, as did his colleague from Vermont, Peter Welch. GOP House member Michael Turner of Ohio got the same.