TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Auto Dealers Lobby, Too

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: November 20, 2008

WASHINGTON - A posse of several dozen auto dealers from across the country is blanketing congressional offices this week to tell legislators the $25 billion isn't just a bailout of Detroit's Big Three automakers - it's a local issue.

While not a popular sell with the whole country hurting, helping auto manufacturers is a way to prevent pillars of thousands of local communities from crumbling, says Hayden Elder, a domestic auto dealer in Athens, Texas.

"What happens to the local church? Who gives to the food pantry?" said Elder of his dealership's contributions, which go beyond jobs and local taxes to the rodeos he stages to benefit disease research and the local Chamber of Commerce. "We're talking about Main Street, USA."

The dealers' lobbying underscores how the auto industry has launched an all-out effort for the rescue package, which seems stalled under opposition from President George W. Bush and congressional Republicans.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT