Ethanol producer Poet top SD contributor in 2016 election
WASHINGTON — Poet, one of the nation’s largest ethanol producers, has contributed the most money of any entity in South Dakota so far this political cycle as the company works to maintain its voice in the country’s renewable fuels debate.
With more than two months to go until the presidential and congressional elections, the Sioux Falls-based company has donated more than $564,150 through its political action committee and employees who work for Poet as of July 31, topping its total of $501,583 for the entire election cycle in 2012, according to Opensecrets.org.
The figures only include donations of $200 or more that are itemized and include the donor's employment.
The donations went to a wide swatch of House and Senate candidates, both Republican and Democrats, as well as PACs, party committees and other groups. Among the recipients are Republicans Sen. John Thune and Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the National Republican Committee and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2016/08/26/poet-top-south-dakota-contributor-2016-election/89116216/