Romney and G.O.P. Make Inroads in Silicon Valley
When President Barack Obama makes his latest foray into Silicon Valley, he will face a technology industry more engaged than ever in the wheeling and dealing of Washington, and much more forthcoming with its political contributions — including, generously, to his rival, Mitt Romney.
The two candidates, and their parties, have raised more money from technology executives and investors than the candidates and parties did in 2008. Altogether, President Obama and Romney have campaigned here numerous times in the last year. And as the stakes for the industry have grown higher in Washington, both candidates have at least acknowledged some of its policy priorities, like immigration overhaul and lowering the corporate tax rate. But although President Obama is widely seen as a friend of the tech industry — and, with his party, has taken in far more contributions — the excitement associated with his campaign four years ago has diminished here, as it has elsewhere. Romney and the Republicans have made clear inroads.
Romney and G.O.P. Make Inroads in Silicon Valley