All the major private prison corporations have numerous, highly paid lobbyists working day and night to influence our elected officials. 

These lobbyists and other private prison interests gave $77,267 to Arizona candidates during the 2002 and 2004 election cycles.  Republicans received nearly 90% of industry contributions. 

Is it any wonder that some of the biggest beneficiaries of these contributions are now the ones leading the charge to privatize Arizona’s prisons?:

RECIPIENT                                          2002                              2004
Sen. Russell Pearce (R-18)                            $880                                       $2,400
Sen. Robert Burns (R-9)                                $1,735                                    $736
Sen. Robert Waring (R-7)                              $650                                       $1,595
Sen. Thayer Verschoor (R-22)                       $0                                            $1,130
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-22)                                 $0                                            $675
Sen. Jack Harper (R-4)                                   $0                                            $625