Top CEOs give more to McCain, review shows

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Top executives of top U.S. companies have donated 10 times more to Republican John McCain than his Democratic rival, a study of finance records indicates.

McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee from Arizona, received $208,200 from the chief executives of the 100 biggest Fortune 500 corporations, a review by The Hill of campaign finance reports. Likely Democratic candidate Barack Obama of Illinois received $20,400 from the same group of people.

Obama's campaign used the review to suggest that the breach was because of "special favors" McCain gave corporations.

"It is not surprising that a Washington celebrity like John McCain would be able to collect contributions based on 26 years of special favors provided to individual businesses," said Jason Furman, Obama's economic policy director.

The McCain campaign countered that business leaders naturally would support a nominee who would promote economic growth, the Washington publication said Friday.

"It shouldn't be a surprise that John McCain's plan to cut taxes, fight wasteful spending and grow jobs is preferred by business leaders and hard-working families both," said spokesman Tucker Bounds.