A California congresswoman on the House Energy and Commerce Committee is stepping aside from a House investigation into Toyota's recall due to financial connections to the troubled automaker.
Democratic Rep. Jane Harman's husband founded an audio equipment company, Harman International, that supplies Toyota. In addition, the Harmans have held stock in the automaker, including at least $115,000 worth in 2008.
Other members of the panel have Toyota connections in their districts or garages. Here's a look at some of the ties to Toyota and other automakers:
Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak, D-Mich.: State is home to Ford and General Motors. Toyota also has operations in Michigan.
Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich.: Toyota has a technical center in Ann Arbor. Dingell is an advocate for the Detroit automakers and union autoworkers;
Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.: Markey drives a Camry hybrid.
Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.: Toyota has an office in DeGette's district; DeGette owns three Toyotas.
Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio: Ford has an assembly plant in the Akron area. Sutton supported "Cash for Clunkers."
Several other subcommittee members do not have Toyota offices or plants in their districts but do have them in their states







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