No Limits in Va. On Corporations

Twenty-two states prohibit corporations from using their general treasuries for electioneering, and two more severely restrict it.

But among the rest of the states, Virginia is one of the least restrictive. Not only does it allow contributions from corporations, but it is one of only six states that impose no limits on the amount of such contributions. As a result, corporations are second only to political parties in spending on state contests.

After the parties, for example, the largest contributor in Virginia is Dominion Virginia Power, the state's primary utility, which has given nearly $5 million to political committees this decade. This year, with an expensive governor's race underway, telecommunications giant Verizon has spent $368,000 in donations to political committees, including a $50,000 check for each of the candidates.

Dominion has donated $367,000 this year, including $20,000 for Republican Robert F. McDonnell, $10,000 for Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and $15,000 for the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor.

Corporations can contribute to political campaigns in the District of Columbia, although their spending is limited.

Maryland also allows corporate contributions, but on a much more limited scale. The state limits the amount that can be given by individuals and corporations to no than $4,000 to one committee in a single election cycle and no more than $10,000 to any combination of committees in a cycle.

However, there are exceptions -- and also a loophole that allows committees to transfer as much as $6,000 in a cycle to as many other committees as they choose.

-- Amy Gardner