Bush Campaign Raises A Record $49.5 Million

[w4rma]

For Their Efforts, Fundraisers Also Gain

President Bush's reelection campaign yesterday reported raising $49.5 million in the third quarter, a decisive record for a three-month period. Since launching his fundraising effort in May, Bush has collected $83.9 million.

The record receipts -- more than triple the top Democrat's fundraising for the quarter -- were driven in large part by just 285 men and women, who collected $38.5 million or more, which was at least 45 percent of Bush's total take. This fundraising elite, many of whom were beneficiaries of Bush administration policies, included 100 "Rangers," who raised at least $200,000 apiece, and 185 "Pioneers," who collected at least $100,000 each.

Such high-powered fundraisers have become crucially important in the current election cycle because the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance law prohibits individuals, companies and unions from giving large "soft money" contributions to federal candidates or parties. This has put a premium on men and women who can collect large amounts from individuals, who can give no more than $2,000 apiece.

The GOP, with extensive support from corporate chief executives, trade association leaders and others with a ready network of employees, members or associates, has developed a far stronger small-donor fundraising base than the Democrats. Former Vermont governor Howard Dean has demonstrated the potential power of the Internet as a fundraising tool, but the $14.8 million he is expected to report for the third quarter is dwarfed by Bush's total.
…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27000-2003Oct14.html

[tom_paine]

1. That's a lot of bribe-money

A lot of fraud money.

A lot of astroturf money.

A lot of Bushevik ex-CIA spook payoff money.

[ramapo]

2. Will Americans ever get fed up?

Will it ever be too much? Don't people find this just disgusting? The media portrays these obscene amounts as a badge of honor! How popular our leader must be to command such donations.

It doesn't seem practical to run against the fundraising. Dean sort of does but hasn't come out against accepting large donations of the kind that have catapulted Bush's bank account.

I just can't believe that this isn't an issue. I guess people are just resigned to it, like so much else.

[sirshack]

3. I actually know...

...a guy who's shooting for Pioneer status. I don't know if he'll get it though. But according to him he's raised about $20k so far. What puzzles me is that he's not even really a diehard Bush supporter. He's the epitome of a moderate.

[samsingh]

4. sounds like some people are on the take

a lot of backs appear to be being patted. How else to explain such a gigantic haul.

[M_Demo_M]

5. I recall...

I recall Clinton getting bashed by the media as being "Fund Raiser In Cheif"
while he raised money for reelection.

It seems to me that the press is not nearly as negative when characterizing
Bush's fund raising prowess.

Maybe it's because the Bush team uses those cute little names for their donors.
Texas Rangers, oh please!

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

6. Fucking whores... "We've got the best politicians money can buy."

Average Anericans have absolutely NO voice with this misadministration.

[young_at_heart]

7. Wouldn't it be nice if there was some outrage?

Why don't people care? I'm trying to be optimistic but it's not easy!

[MODemocrat]

8. If Bush is a shoo- in, why does he need that much money?

The corporate segment of america loves him, so they "buy" him. :puke: :dunce:

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[goforit]

10. Yep you would have $$$ too if you had a printing press!

The counterfiet money fills their pockets!!!