Internet advertisers make foray into political fundraising

The online advertising industry is dipping its toe in political fundraising as its trade group tries to beef up its Capitol Hill involvement.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau launched its own political action committee a year and a half ago and started writing checks to lawmakers last year. The group represents the interests of Internet advertising networks and companies that rely on that ad revenue, including AOL, Amazon, Hulu, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft Advertising, Huffington Post and Gawker Media. Rep Chris Murphy (D-CT) was the beneficiary of IAB's first fundraiser in November. IAB plans to host 10 more events this year to "find our champions and educate members," said Mike Zaneis, vice president for public policy. IAB is primarily focusing on members of the House and Senate Commerce Committees and will likely get involved in the Leadership PAC.