The Republican National Committee has amassed $210 million since January 1999, thrilling Republican leaders but once again raising the issue of campaign finance reform. Followers of Texas Gov. George W. Bush, however, say the fundraising is proof of large-scale Bush support, even as he trails in the polls.
It "shows the incredible support for Governor Bush through grassroots organizations as we move into the election," said Todd Reid, the director of Victory 2000 for the Republican Party.
Republican fundraising efforts have intensified this month, with $67 million raised so far in September.
In contrast to the Republicans, the Democratic National Committee has raised $26 million since its convention. DNC officials have declined to disclose their total amount, citing the Oct. 15 deadline.
The difference between the two parties' fundraising efforts can be chalked up to hard versus soft money contributions. Individuals and political action committees can donate, at most, $1,000 and $5,000 to the campaigns, respectively. These restricted contributions are hard money, and its donors give to the candidate directly, not to the overarching party. Soft money, the point of contention in the election finance reform debate, is not capped and is donated by "corporations, partnerships, labor unions and individuals. Soft money is not regulated enough," said Craig Beiber, executive director of the Virginia Democratic Party.
The McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Bill proposes closing the loophole on unregulated soft money, but it never has been passed by the Senate, where Republicans consistently vote to curtail it.
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