Unlike Clinton, Obama refuses donations from lobbyists and PAC's,

[pnwmom]

making his donation totals in the first quarter all the more remarkable.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070404obama-money,1,1955904.story?coll=chi-newsbreaking-hed

SNIP

Obama's campaign said that at least $23.5 million of its first-quarter collection would be available for the primary campaign, an important distinction because candidates are able to raise money now for both the primary and general elections.

Clinton officials have refused to say how much of the $26 million can be used for her primary campaign, a figure that should be readily available. The Edwards' campaign, meanwhile, has said less than $1 million of his tally is designated for the general election.

People involved in Democratic fundraising have noted that many of Clinton's events required a contribution of $4,600 for access to the senator and other VIPs. That is the maximum amount allowed for an individual to donate by law, with half going for the primary and half for the general.

Obama, on the other hand, has mostly sought donations of up to $2,300, which means the bulk of his take this quarter will be available for the primary campaign. Obama also made his fundraising task more difficult by refusing to accept money from lobbyists and political action committees, unlike Clinton.

SNIP

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

1. what about AIPAC?

I like Obama and all, but hasn't he been sucked in by AIPAC
like most of the congress/senate?

But at least Rupert Merdock didn't raise funds for him.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. AIPAC doesn't give out money.

[flpoljunkie]

6. AIPAC, however, does make suggestions to Pro-Israel groups and they do contribute to both parties.

And, they spread it around pretty evenly...

http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/industry.asp?txt=Q05&cycle=2006

Pro-Israel
PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates, 2005-2006
VIEW FULL SECTOR: Ideological/Single-Issue

Select a Cycle:

Total Amount: $3,026,843
Total to Democrats: $1,622,351 (54%)
Total to Republicans: $1,244,899 (41%)
Number of PACs Making Contributions: 34

[Behind the Aegis]

10. That's true. I didn't say anything to the contrary.

[pnwmom]

7. I've seen no evidence that he's taken AIPAC money. Have you?

I don't have any problem with him giving speeches before any group, including AIPAC.

[karynnj]

13. They are a PAC as in ai PAC

As the op said he didn't take money from PACs.

[Texas_Kat]

35. AIPAC is NOT a PAC

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. It should be -- but it's not.

And Obama may not take money directly from PAC's but apparently he'd like the cash without the exposure:

Obama's K Street Project

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obamas-k-street-project-2007-03-28.html

K Street players working to build momentum for Obama are former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), a consultant for Alston & Bird; Broderick Johnson, president of Bryan Cave Strategies LLC; Mark Keam, the lead Democratic lobbyist at Verizon; Jimmy Williams, vice president of government affairs for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; Thomas Walls, vice president of federal public affairs at McGuireWoods Consulting; and Francis Grab, senior manager at Washington Council Ernst & Young.

Lobbyists tend to be cautious creatures. Evidence that they are flocking to Obama’s camp shows that his campaign has gained substantial momentum among the politically sophisticated.

Some of Obama’s K Street boosters keep their support a secret to uphold Obama’s image as a Washington outsider untainted by D.C.’s influence business.

snip

[hedgehog]

2. Best laugh line of the day-

Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said, "We are thrilled with our historic fundraising success and congratulate Sen. Obama and the entire Democratic field on their fundraising, which demonstrates the overwhelming desire for change in our country

[bamacrat]

3. Damn if that's so he is kicking ass then cause he's got almost as much as Hillary.

[AtomicKitten]

4. Much of Obama's wad comes from the internet

... and that is the most brilliant news of the day.

Gobama!

[goclark]

8. Go go go GObama! nt

[Colobo]

14. From college students like ME, for example!

The sacrifice is paying off!

[AtomicKitten]

15. kudos to you

I was a college student * ahem * a couple a years ago

[Colobo]

20. LOL! Thanks!

Obama is reaching to all sectors of the American society...

[goclark]

21. And from little old seniors like me!

GObama! :bounce:

[AtomicKitten]

23. crossover appeal

like we haven't seen in a long time

[goclark]

27. Cross over appeal is what this next election needs to have nt

[elizm]

25. And Baby Boomers like me! :) n/t

[AtomicKitten]

29. yep!

Gobama.

[mahina]

36. And from working single moms like me

and a million others! (Much love to Edwards, Richardson and Kucinich too.)

[Czolgosz]

9. GO OBAMA GO!

[mzmolly]

11. WOW!

:toast:

He's my second choice - after only Gore.

K and R Pnwmom. :hi:

[AtomicKitten]

12. mine too

and doesn't Gore/Obama have a lovely ring to it?

[ronnykmarshall]

16. Sure does.

So does Clinton/Obama.

I was all about Clinton/Clark, but now I think either Gore/Obama or Clinton/Obama would be a dream come true.

I really think that Barack would make a fantastic President. If not now, then maybe in the future.

I just want to WIN the damn White House back. My heart is with Hillary. To see Hillary and Bill march back into that White House and the ripple effects of the exploding heads on the right would be so sweet.

[AtomicKitten]

17. me too

I just want to WIN the damn White House back.

It is absolutely critical a Democrat appoints the next Supreme Court justice(s).

I think we have a brilliant field. Any one of them would make an excellent president. And I concur and will get a smug satisfaction if, in fact, Hillary gets the nod. It'll be payback time in spades for all the shit the Clintons have endured at the hands of the GOP Wrecking Machine. Sweet payback.

Of course, I'm still holding out for Al Gore to jump in. I think it would put the world back on its axis and make right what went so wrong in 2000.

[ronnykmarshall]

18. We DO have a great field.

and I think that with REAL competitive field of candidate it MIGHT bring out the best in our peeps.

I just want .... no I PRAY that the camps of supporters will stop being such assholes. I'm a Hillary's my Home girl person. That doesn't mean I'm going to stomp off in a big hissy fit and slam down my big 1950's telephone in a rage if she doesn't get the nod. I am a DEMOCRAT! And if anyone that's in another camp wants to "oh I'll never vote for ....... if they get the nomination" .... well sweeties, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

[mzmolly]

22. A lovely ring indeed.

:hi:

[AtomicKitten]

24. w00t

[mzmolly]

26. I got chills.............

that are multiplyin' ...........

[AtomicKitten]

31. cuz I need a president

... and my heart is set on you

[mzmolly]

32. Oh ya better step up, you better understand,

to our world you must be true.... ;)

[goclark]

28. Now that is a Pretty Picture!

[AtomicKitten]

30. isn't it though?

Go Albama!

[pigpickle]

19. kick

[marlakay]

33. I am considering voting for him if Gore isn't in

by primary. I had thought of doing a write in vote for Gore but that might just get clinton in so unless I hear something really bad about obama I will vote for him if gore is out.

[politicasista]

34. Tavis Smiley was mentioned this on Tom Joyner this morning

He was joking with the gang about how the Clintons didn't sleep well last night. (LOL!)

However, he mentioned that people have already began taking sides, some will vote for her cause of Bill, others will vote for Obama cause he's black. Tavis said he will not do neither, it's all about the issues that matter to AA community.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

37. Edwards also does not take donations for lobbyists and PACs

I am glad two of our three major candidates has a strong position on lobbying and special interest group money.

[rinsd]

38. 1% of Hillary's contributions came from PACs in the 1st Q (nt)

[draft_mario_cuomo]

39. So why can't she adopt the same position as Obama and Edwards?

Is she so obssessed with grabbing every possible penny that she can't take a stand against lobbyists and PACs?

[rinsd]

40. Is 1% that big a deal?

"Is she so obssessed with grabbing every possible penny that she can't take a stand against lobbyists and PACs?"

Oh I'm sorry I forgot the other campaigns run on dreams and wishes.