527's on both sides are revving their engines [View All]

[rox63]

~snip~

Four years ago, wealthy Republicans bankrolled two influential, loosely regulated political organizations that helped President Bush win reelection with TV ads invoking the 2001 terrorist attacks and maligning the Vietnam War record of Democratic nominee John F. Kerry.

Now, some of the same GOP donors and operatives are planning a similar independent group to help the party hold onto the White House this fall, according to Republicans familiar with the discussions.

~snip~

One Republican strategist familiar with the plans said Republicans expect Senator Barack Obama, who leads rival Hillary Clinton in the Democratic race, to be their opponent and have begun assembling material to turn voters against him. "They're beginning to put the book together on Obama," said the strategist, who discussed the effort on condition of anonymity.

~snip~

A host of organizations are active on the Democratic side, which have historically raised more money than their Republican counterparts. One of the biggest Democratic groups this cycle is the Fund for America, which formed last year to funnel money to progressive causes. Funders of the group, which is expected to raise $100 million, include left-leaning financier George Soros and the Service Employees International Union, each of whom have contributed at least $2.5 million.

~snip~

Read the whole article here: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/04/06/soft_money_battle_brewing/?page=full