International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents workers at private employers including Commonwealth Edison and AT&T. The IBEW also promotes electric utility deregulation. In June 2004, IBEW Local 21 and SBC Communications (now AT&T) reached a 5-year agreement. Over a dozen locals of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are active political contributors in Illinois. The largest portion of their giving comes from the national office in Washington, DC. The two Illinois locals that give the most include Local 701, based in Lisle and accounting for 15% of all IBEW giving, and Local 134, based in Chicago and accounting for 12% of all IBEW giving.

IBEW is a career patron of Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), Secretary of State Jesse White (D), State Comptroller Dan Hynes (D), Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn (D), Senate President Emil Jones (D), Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), and House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D).

From January 1, 1993 through June 30 2006, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers contributed a total of $3.727 million to Illinois candidates for statewide and legislative office ($1,223,000 came from IBEW COPE out of Washington, $566,000 came from Local 701 Ð Lisle, $432,000 came from Local 134 Ð Chicago, $421,000 came from Local 15 Ð Downers Grove). 94% of these contributions went to Democrats.

Last revised September 2006.