<h3>Big business campaign funding, mostly to thwart initiatives, has hit $157 million so far this election</h3><p class="source">The San Jose Mercury News (California)</p>
<p>Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, Chevron and Aera Energy (ExxonMobil and Shell), the top four corporate donors, have contributed $108 million alone. "The millions spent by oil and tobacco companies are designed to drown out the voices of the other side," said Carmen Balber, spokeswoman for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "And it's used to overwhelm voters with a barrage of negative advertising." By comparison, corporations have outspent unions, another group not shy about putting money into campaigns, by a 12-to-1 margin in this election.</p>