http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~21474~1945928,00.html#WASHINGTON -- Howard Dean and Gen. Wesley Clark got the early lock on superstars' checkbooks, but Hollywood money will soon avalanche into Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry's camp, political experts predict.
Rob Reiner, Ben Affleck, Alec Baldwin and other stars poured thousands into Dean's and Clark's presidential campaigns during the last three months of 2003 as Kerry's star support dwindled, according to new Federal Election Commission reports released at the end of January.
(snip)
In addition to Madonna and director Michael Moore (both of whom endorsed Clark but for whom no records of cash donations were reported), Clark's Hollywood supporters include Richard Gere, Laura Dern, Chevy Chase and Robert De Niro.
(snip)
University of Southern California political science professor Sherry Bebitch Jeffe said Kerry has so far avoided the Hollywood courtship scene, relying instead on his war-hero image to spark donors' interest.
(snip)
Sen. John Edwards' star fortunes could also expand along with his political fortunes.
(snip)
Republicans like Tom Selleck and Bruce Willis will likely be active in President Bush's re- election campaign, Yenerall said. But Bush, who has amassed more than $132 million in contributions so far, will not likely rely on the entertainment industry for money, he said.