Earlier this week we took a look at Rep. Ron Kind (D-03) and the money he has received from the telecommunications industry during his career. Kind voted last week for the Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 minus the inclusion of preserving Internet freedom, a.k.a, network neutrality. Joining this "New" Democrat in his decision to pass legislation that endangers the future of Internet-based small business in Wisconsin were Wisconsin Rep. Thomas Petri (R-06), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-01), and gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mark Green (R-08). Dane101 took Green to task immediately following the House vote on the premise that anyone who would vote against the best interest of small business in Wisconsin - as well as the potential the Internet provides for our arts and culture - has no right leading the state as Governor.

Today we take a look at Green and his record of accepting money from the telecommunications industry. As we said last time, we can't say for certain that Green voted with that industry's deep pockets in mind. After all, Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-02) (elected Nov. '98) who voted against COPE and has served as nearly as long as both Kind (elected Nov. '96) and Green (elected Nov. 98), has received less than $40,000 in contributions from the telecoms (with nearly $20,000 of that money coming via PACs in 2005-2006). Green has received more than $45,000 and Kind has received more than $55,000.

Another example is Rep. Dave Obey (D-07) who also voted against COPE minus Internet freedom. How much has Obey received from the telecoms over the last eight years? Less than $30,000. See for yourself on opensecrets.org and decide for yourself if there is a cost for representation.

Below are Green's numbers by company:

1998-2006

SBC: $24,250

BellSouth: $7,500

Ameritech: $5,300

CenturyTel: $500

CincinnatiTel: $1,000

Verizon:$4,000

WorldComm: $1,500

U.S. Telecom Assn.: $2,600

Total: $46,900