As we've noted, both cable and phone operators not only make up completely bogus consumer groups to support their political positions, they also frequently donate cash to minority and disability organizations in exchange for vocal political support for policies that often aren't in constituents' best interest (or vice versa).

FCC boss Kevin Martin ran into some trouble last week when he criticized some cable industry-backed minority groups who were fighting against his desire to implement "a la carte" (the ability to purchase individual channels) cable programming:Those groups called Martin's comments "patronizing and insulting," and forced Martin to apologize. Of course, similar tactics were key in helping Martin and the phone industry push their vision of "franchise reform," but received no such tongue lashing from the FCC boss -- who the cable industry claims gives phone operators preferential treatment.