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Trial Lawyers' Influence

• During the 2005-2006 election cycle, the American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association) was among the top ten overall PAC donors. (opensecrets.org)

• AAJ is ranked as the fifth largest contributor in American politics since 1989 – donating more than $27 million. (opensecrets.org)

• 95% of AAJ donations during the 2005-2006 election cycle went to Democrats. (opensecrets.org)

• Comment by Fred Baron, former head of ATLA, referring to a Wall Street Journal story at a bankruptcy conference (July, 2002):

"It says, 'The plaintiffs' bar is all but running the Senate.’ I really strongly disagree with that," Baron said, smiling. "Particularly the words 'all but.'"

• Trial lawyer-driven lawsuits and other liability costs affect all Americans
  • Liability costs to the U.S. economy is estimated to be $260 billion in 2005, which comes to about $880 per U.S. citizen per year. (2006 Tillinghast)
  • The $260 billion is greater than the 2005 GDP of Austria ($255.9 Billion).