U.Va. employees among top Perriello donors

University of Virginia employees were among the top contributors to freshman Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

U.Va. employees gave Perriello $26,679 for his campaign to unseat Republican Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr. in the 5th District, according to data compiled by the center.

Perriello, who was a lecturer for one seminar at U.Va.'s law school in 2007, had a victory margin of 727 votes after a recount.

U.Va. employees ranked second on the list of Perriello's top contributors, behind ActBlue, which gave $268,117. ActBlue is an Internet-based political action committee that raises funds for Democratic candidates.

The university is in Perriello's district, but the Center for Responsive Politics found a trend in the donations.

The nonpartisan research group said college employees were among the top donors to other new U.S. senators and representatives as well. For example, Sen. Kay R. Hagan, D-N.C., received $16,700 from University of North Carolina employees, ranking sixth among the new senator's top contributors.

The report suggests this pattern of donations may indicate that higher-education issues will be priorities for many new legislators.

The Chronicle of Higher Education quotes the center as saying new members of Congress "should very quickly learn what the veterans know so well: The donors and industries that helped you win your seat often expect payback."

Contact Karin Kapsidelis at (804) 649-6119 or .