Charles and David Koch, brothers and the oil barons who are already shaping the 2014 midterm elections according to recently leaked audio recordings, are often portrayed as environmentally responsible advocates of the free-market that are unfairly targeted by Democrats. However, their political influence, which benefits the fossil fuel industry and their own bottom line, is unparalleled. How far does the Koch brothers' influence spread? Is it fair to equate them with big liberal donors? Is it fair to characterize the Kochs as Big Oil? Are the Kochs unbiased in their energy advocacy? Do the Kochs have a good track record on environmental regulations? Do they have a stake in the Keystone XL debate? Are the Koch brothers transparent? How extreme are their views? Koch Brothers Are Shaping Politics In 2014 Elections Associated Press: Koch Brothers Are "Reshaping Politics." From an Associated Press primer on "the Koch brothers and their role in politics": Charles and David Koch, ages 78 and 74, are billionaire brothers who helped create a broad network of nonprofit groups that control hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into politics.