Well, duh!
An industry association PAC and PACs affiliated with some of the states biggest cable providers, Time Warner Cable and CenturyLink, gave $1.6 million to state candidates since 2006, particularly lining the campaign pockets of four key leaders, according to a study by the National Institute on State Politics.
House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Cornelius, received $37,000 in 2010 and 2011, more than any lawmaker. Senate President Phil Berger, R-Eden, received $19,500. Senate GOP Majority Leader Harry Brown of Jacksonville received $9,000. Senate Democratic leader Martin Nesbitt of Asheville received $8,250. All four supported the bill.
In all, the study found, three-quarters of the legislature received money from the industry, with those who voted for the bill receiving more campaign cash on average than those who didnt.