POLITICO: To understand how Comcast might sell skeptical cities and states on its aggressive plan to purchase Time Warner Cable, just look up.
Comcast already boasts the largest building in all of Philadelphia, yet it still labored until January to persuade Pennsylvania to support the construction of an even larger home — and pay for some of the city upgrades needed to make it happen. So when the cable giant eventually completes its 59-story, $1.2 billion glass high rise not far from the corner of 18th and Arch streets, it’ll own a towering reminder of its ability to influence local governments across the country. That sort of political power could help Comcast immensely if its new merger faces tough questions beyond the walls of Washington.
For now, states like Florida, California, Indiana and Maryland have promised to scrutinize the $45 billion Time Warner Cable deal — and many of those local attorneys general previously have taken home a campaign check from Comcast’s deep-pocketed political action committee. So has Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, who received a $50,000 contribution last year. The Republican has vocally backed Comcast’s new merger plans… (more)
