The energy industry is the second largest financial contributor to President Bush’s upcoming inaugural celebration on Jan. 20, according to a Washington, DC-based watchdog group. Twelve energy corporations and executives, including nine from the oil and natural gas industry, have chipped in a total of $2.3 million for the event, said Public Citizen. The single largest financial contributor is the finance and investment industry, kicking in $5 million, it noted. Of the $17.8 million raised so far for the inauguration, Public Citizen said records show that $17.1 million, or 96%, came from corporations and their senior executives, with two corporations — Ameriquest and Marriott International — effectively skirting the $250,000 cap on contributions by giving multiple checks through their subsidiaries.

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