A record number of shareholder resolutions, 36 so far this year, have been put forth asking for greater transparency for corporate political contributions. While companies in the U.S. aren't bound to disclose their political contributions, the total is on the rise. In 2002 corporate money accounted for about one third of all campaign contributions in the U.S. - $184 billion.

At issue for shareholders is whether these contributions constitute a real benefit for the company or whether they simply benefit a select group of company executives. This is part of a larger trend of shareholders paying closer attention to corporate spending accross the board. At this point, however, while more resolutions for greater transparency for political donations are on the table, tbe average number of investors actually voting for them is about 21% - twice what was seen only a year ago but still well south of a majority.

Via The Financial Times and CFO.com, after The FT also ran a front-pager on the story earlier in the week that is readable by subscrip only (why don't you have one?).

-- MDT