Small-Dollar Donors Had Mixed Impact

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON Mar 2, 2005 — The Democratic and Republican national committees raised more money than ever from people giving $200 or less in the last election, but low-dollar donations still accounted for less than half the money the parties collected from individuals.

The Democratic National Committee saw the biggest increase in contributions from $200-and-under donors in 2003-04. It took in nearly $166 million worth, compared with about $38 million in the 2002 election cycle, a Federal Election Commission analysis released Wednesday shows.

Its GOP counterpart, the Republican National Committee, collected $157 million from such donors in the last election season and about $103 million in 2001-2002.

Despite the increase, low-dollar contributions made up a smaller percentage of the two committees' overall money from individuals than they did in the 2002 election.

Those giving $200 or less accounted for roughly 46 percent of the DNC's contributions from individuals in the last election cycle and about 68 percent in the 2002 election, the commission study found.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=545772&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[napi21]

1. I think that has to do with the max limit changing.

If I remember right, the max that could be contributed by an individual was $1,000 but was changed to $2,000 for the last election. That means any donors who usually give the max doubled.

It still means smaller donors increased dramatically in 2004.

[Eloriel]

2. I'm just having a hard time believing this

I haven't read the article, but my B.S. meter is revving up.

[merwin]

4. Agreed! It's a stab at Dean and his rallying of grassroots movements.

[saracat]

3. Baloney!

[bemildred]

5. The DNC? I didn't give a nickel to the DNC.

I gave to DFA and certain individuals.
What is the surprise in the fact that the
DNC relys on the big-money donors (corporations)?