WASHINGTON: Automobile dealers have been among the biggest contributors to US political campaigns over the past decade, surpassing all but two groups in donations. That investment may be paying off as the dealers get a lot of attention on Capitol Hill.

Congress has held hearings on the planned shutdown of thousands of dealerships and is debating ways to provide relief to the businesses. Almost a quarter of the members of the House of Representatives signed letters to President Barack Obama and his auto task force questioning plans to close the dealerships.

The lawmakers' involvement may disrupt plans by General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC to emerge from bankruptcy with a leaner dealer network.