Coal plays a larger role in electricity generation in Ohio than any other fuel. Eastern and southeastern Ohio are dotted with coal mines, and according to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 87% of the electricity generated in Ohio comes from burning coal. Coal companies contributing to candidates and parties in Ohio include Boich Companies, Buckeye Industrial Mining, CAM Ohio Coal, Consol Energy, Murray Energy, Ohio Valley Coal, and the Ohio Coal Association. The United Mine Workers are included because their interests are clearly aligned with those of the coal companies in this case.

From January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, employees of and political action committees affiliated with coal companies contributed $109,375 to the current statewide officeholders in Ohio and $84,350 to the Ohio General Assembly--$50,300 to the House and $34,050 to the Senate. These same entities contributed $38,735 to the major political parties in Ohio.

January 1, 2005-June 30, 2007 Contributions to Ohio Statewide Officeholders, Ohio House and Senate, and Ohio Democratic and Republican Parties from the Coal Industry*

Ohio Senate	$34,050
Ohio House of Representatives	$50,300
Statewide Officeholders	$109,375
Ohio Republican Party	$34,500
Ohio Democratic Party	$4,235
Totals	$232,460

*Totals include monetary and in-kind contributions from employees of and political action committees affiliated with Boich Companies, Buckeye Industrial Mining, Buckingham Coal Company, CAM Ohio Coal, Consol Energy, Murray Energy, the Ohio Coal Association, Ohio Valley Coal, and the United Mine Workers.

For detailed coal contribution information, see the Appendices.