Health, life, property and car insurance companies, agents and brokers are all included in the insurance industry, which is a major contributor to federal campaigns. (HMOs, which are not included in this industry, are profiled separately in the health sector.)

In the 2012 election cycle, the insurance industry contributed a record $58.7 million to federal parties and candidates as well as outside spending groups. Of the nearly $55 million that went to parties and candidates, 68 percent went to Republicans, who have long been the recipients of most of this category's giving. [Read more Background]