Though it doesn’t grab many headlines, the alcohol lobby is one of California’s most potent political forces, spending millions each year to sway legislators on bills affecting the liquor, wine and beer businesses.

From the Wine Institute to Anheuser-Busch, alcohol corporations and industry associations donated more than $3.5 million to state political candidates in 2006, making the sector one of the most prolific political spenders in California elections. Couple that with roughly $3 million in lobbying efforts that same year – money spent on influencing policy outcomes – and it’s easy to see how the alcohol industry has become a force to be reckoned with.

Instead of just listing the dollar figures, we examined the benefits the lobbyists are getting for all that money, the return on their investment. This Marin Institute report, based on analysis of public records, details for the first time Big Alcohol’s political spending practices – and what the industry receives in return. Our research has unearthed some particularly noteworthy lobbying of prominent legislators on the Assembly and Senate Committees on Government Organization, and a pattern of pro-industry legislative efforts by key recipients of alcohol money.

Download the Full Report

To see a complete list of politicians and their contributions, download our Industry Influence chart.