October 27, 2008

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

If Barack Obama wins the election, the music business will get a valuable friend in Washington. But although stars from Bruce Springsteen to Jay-Z have stumped for the candidate, it won't be Obama himself.

Vice presidential hopeful Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., is one of the most influential members of Congress to champion legislation that protects intellectual property, and his election could help the entertainment industry promote its interests in Washington.

"Senator Biden has been particularly thoughtful about international theft of American property, criminal law in general and economic crimes against the country," RIAA senior VP of federal government relations Michele Ballantyne says. "He asks tough questions, he has always had terrific staff, and he doesn't mind taking a stand to protect American ingenuity."

Last year, Biden sponsored...

Click here for the full story including Biden's efforts to protect intellectual copyrights, how he differs from Obama on this issue and more.

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