• Barack Obama campaign soliciting 'soft money' for convention Aug 16, 2008
"Both conventions are bringing in new fundraisers connected with the presidential candidate to go the last mile," said Steve Weissman, a reform advocate with the Campaign Finance Institute. Weissman said that the campaigns' involvement in raising these large-dollar contributions contradicts the reform rhetoric both candidates employ to win votes. (Q13.com, WA)
Donors pick up convention tab Aug 15, 2008
Source: Campaign Finance Institute ... "What credibility does (Obama) have as a reformer if he takes direct corporate and union money for the convention?" said Steve Weissman of the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. (USA Today)
Defunct Dodd Campaign Continues To Pull In Money Jul 24, 2008
"He remains the chair of the Senate banking committee, and I would imagine that people that wish to maintain good relations with him would give to his presidential campaign committee," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. "Most people who give to him will be doing so because he's a senator, not because he's a presidential candidate.". (FOX61, CT)
Donations to Obama campaign include some biggies Jul 23, 2008
Michael J. Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute, said that although Obama had raised an unprecedented $165 million from those who donated in increments of less than $200, "he cannot raise $150 million or whatever his budget says he needs without going to large contributors.". The presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, also has joint fundraising committees and will probably rely heavily on them in the fall. (Los Angeles Times)
Wealthy few provide cash for independent political groups Jul 22, 2008
A study by the non-profit Campaign Finance Institute says much of that money comes from just a few wealthy people. "They are wealthy individuals who come from the top positions in our economy or are heirs to those positions, and they are the very same people who are giving major contributions to candidates and parties, and then supplementing them with these unlimited contributions," says the institute's Stephen Weissman. (USA Today -- News)
Top donors slice gifts to political groups since '04 Jul 22, 2008
The six biggest contributors from each side in the past three federal elections gave more than $100 million to outside political groups in 2004, according to the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. Less than four months before the end of this year's campaign, they have given $17. (USA Today)
Obama raises $52 million in June Jul 18, 2008
"For him to maintain the pace that it looks as if he will need, he will have to match his best-ever month every month," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan group that tracks trends in political money. "That's what he's done this time, pretty close to his best-ever month, and he'll need to sustain this pace or increase it.". (Cleveland.com)
Democrats look to lobbyist to finance a convention Jul 14, 2008
"Farber has a dual role," said Steve Weissman, a policy analyst at the Campaign Finance Institute, who has studied convention finances. "He is a businessman and a community activist, and yet he is connected to a law firm that is one of the biggest in Washington. When any of Steve Farber's clients have a problem, federal elected officials will feel obligated to listen to him if he approaches them later on federal policy interests.". (International Herald Tribune)
Bush still a popular fundraiser Jul 2, 2008
Together, McCain and his GOP rivals raised $260 million last year for the primaries, according to the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. By comparison, Bush raised about $67 million last year for the party and its candidates, according to the RNC.. (USA Today)
Clinton 'getting back to work' in Senate Jun 25, 2008
And, contrary to conventional wisdom, he may need them, according to a report released Tuesday by the Campaign Finance Institute. The report noted that Obama's primary fundraising totals decreased in May for the third straight month, from a high of $54. (USA Today)
Political Grapevine Jun 24, 2008
The director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute says that Obama "wasn't complaining when he went to the American Federation of State and Municipal Employees Union this week, which ran an ad paid for by its 527 to attack John McCain.". Refining Her Stance. (Fox News)
527s Spending 'Millions and Millions' to Oppose Obama? Jun 24, 2008
"The Democratic organizations, through the 15-month point, have raised more than three times as much as the Republican groups -- $87 million to $24 million," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute. Malbin, whose nonpartisan group is affiliated with George Washington University and tracks campaign finances, said it was ironic that Sen. (CNSnews.com)
Obama campaign is flush with donations Jun 21, 2008
"It's a mistake; I'm sure he's thinking more of his short-term advantage than the long-term success of his reform program," said Steve Weissman, associate director for policy at the Campaign Finance Institute. "Even though he's for fixing the public financing system, this could help erode support for that objective.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Clinton Donors Present a New Lode for Obama Jun 21, 2008
But Steve Weissman, associate director at the Campaign Finance Institute, pointed out that Democrat John Kerry in 2004 was able to raise $185 million between March, when he secured the nomination, and August, when the party held its convention. "People are mobilized," Weissman said. (Newsmax)
Special interest conventions? Jun 20, 2008
But wait, there's more: These donations are fully tax-deductible as a "business expense." And a conducted by the Campaign Finance Institute found that both Democrats and Republicans are using local "host committees" in Denver and Minneapolis as vehicles to raise unlimited soft-money contributions to their respective confabs. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Another First: $1 Billion Presidential Campaign Jun 20, 2008
Obama "will now be running against someone who is very different from him. ... He and Sen. Clinton were very similar," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute affiliated with George Washington University. McCain probably will not be able to raise as much money as Obama, but the Republican won't drown. (Newsmax)
Obama's funds up, McCain needs GOP aid Jun 18, 2008
According to the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan organization affiliated with George Washington University, federal groups aligned with Democrats had raised $55 million last year. By contrast, federal groups aligned with Republicans had raised $20 million. (AZCentral -- News)
Clinton to step aside Jun 5, 2008
From Jan. 1, 2007, to April 30 of this year, the Campaign Finance Institute reports, Obama raised $263 million for primaries while Clinton raised $188 million. In addition, she loaned herself $10 million and had $9 million in outstanding bills. (USA Today)
Obama looks to recruit Clinton's top fund-raisers Jun 4, 2008
"His victories were because of his ability to use the Internet to get cadres of people to give small donations and to volunteer for him," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonprofit group in Washington. "If he were to suddenly look like Hillary Clinton in the early months, where he would go only after high-dollar donors, it could turn off people ringing doorbells for him.". (International Herald Tribune)
Group Seeks Federal Probes of Pelosi, Gore on Climate Ad May 30, 2008
Steve Weismann, associate director of policy for the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute, and James Bopp, a Republican campaign-finance lawyer, said the ad was seen in Pelosi's California district and mentions her name in a favorable light in the context of a political issue. Thus, it apparently was a violation. (CNSnews.com)
FEC computers can't handle Obama jackpot May 26, 2008
Or, you can rely on the analysis done by specialized research groups like the Center for Responsive Politics, the Campaign Finance Institute or CQ Moneyline. Our people are working harder than ever and faster than ever because the candidates are raising more money more quickly than ever and there s such intense interest in who s raising what from whom, said Massie Ritsch, spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Money Quandaries in Presidential Race May 22, 2008
An analysis Wednesday by the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute showed that 65 percent of Obama's money in April came in contributions of $200 or less. The maximum individual donation to a campaign is $2,300. (Newsmax)
Pelosi Ad May Have Violated Campaign Laws May 21, 2008
"She made a material contribution to the ad just by being in it herself," Steve Weismann, associate director of policy for the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute, told Cybercast News Service. "If you mention someone 90 days before a primary, convention or caucus, it would fulfill what they call the content part of coordination.". (Newsmax)
Can the sisterhood save Hillary? May 13, 2008
That means, for the second straight cycle, 40 percent of the money raised by the major male candidate has come from women -- a 10-percentage-point jump from 2000, according to Michael Malbin, a money and politics expert at the Campaign Finance Institute ... Campaign Finance Institute. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Obama and the Internet May 2, 2008
According to the Campaign Finance Institute, 45% of Obamas contributors donated $200 or less, while only 23% of McCains donors gave $200 or less. Although there is no breakdown in FEC reported numbers between online contributors and those who give by snail mail, the smart money is that the overwhelming majority of $200 or less contributors are also the ones who give online. (Townhall.com)
Small donation amounts add up for presidential candidates May 2, 2008
4 million in individual contributions the Illinois senator collected between January and March came in small donations, according to a USA TODAY analysis of data compiled by the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. Clinton raised half of her total individuals' first-quarter contributions of $65 million in these smaller increments. (USA Today)
Impact increases May 2, 2008
More than half of the $194 million that Clinton and Obama collected from January through March for their primary fight came from small donations, according to the analysis of data compiled by the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute ... The Illinois senator's fundraising haul also is more than double the small donations collected by all presidential candidates Republican and Democrat at this point in 2000, Campaign Finance Institute data show. (USA Today)
Why Dems Rule the Web Apr 18, 2008
"It is a seismic change," says Michael Malbin, the executive direc tor of the Campaign Finance Institute. "This year's donors are not just givers. They are doers.". (Time.com)
Obama has ties to lobbyists despite boasts of not taking their money Apr 16, 2008
"It makes no difference whether the person is a registered lobbyist or the partner of a registered lobbyist, if the person is raising money to get access or curry favor," said Michael Malbin, director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a non-partisan think tank. Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said that while Obama's refusal to take money from lobbyists "isn't a perfect solution or symbol, it does reflect Obama's record of trying to change the way that Washington does business." He declined to... (USA Today)
Obama's independence probed Apr 16, 2008
As of Feb. 29, he had raised 41% of his money in increments of $200 or less, compared with 26% for Clinton and 13% for McCain, according to an analysis by the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. Yet Obama's 20 largest sources of money, grouped by employers, are executives from major corporations and law firms with a Washington lobbying presence including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Google, according to the center. (USA Today)
Independent groups move in to Pa. Apr 11, 2008
"All these outside groups will be very important in the presidential race," said Stephen Weissman of the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. Outside political groups, which legally cannot coordinate their expenditures with candidates, emerged as big players in the last presidential campaign. (USA Today)
Small donors play huge role Apr 10, 2008
4 million in primary funds from contributors giving $200 or less, according to The Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan Washington research center. Obama raised $76. (Boston Globe)
'Soft money' battle brewing Apr 6, 2008
Four years ago, 527 groups raised $424 million, according to the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan organization affiliated with George Washington University that studies money in politics. Such 527 groups raised $13 million more in 2007 than they did in 2003, the last off-year before a presidential race, the institute found in an analysis it released Thursday. (Boston Globe)
McCain still faces funding challenge Mar 25, 2008
4 million, or 25 percent, of McCain's funds, according to the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. Obama, however, has raised $46. (AZCentral -- News)
Obama Has Clear Money Advantage Mar 24, 2008
Clinton raised half of her money _ $17 million _ in contributions of $200 or less, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. Obama tapped those donors, many of whom give through the Internet, for $30. (Newsmax)
Obama outraises, outspends Clinton Mar 22, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Congressional incumbents on shaky ground in '08 Mar 3, 2008
That's double the levels of the 2002 and 2004 election cycles, according to the Campaign Finance Institute (CFI) in Washington. "Many of these are not just individual challenges to individual incumbents, they are challenges supported by organizations that are engaged in battles for the soul of their respective parties," says Michael Malbin, CFI executive director. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Politics and Punditry: Obama’s ‘gimick’ is something else entirely Mar 2, 2008
Michael Malbin, the executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute, contrasts this involving-engaging Obama approach to the passive experience of the traditional campaign contributor who responded to a direct mail letter from a candidate. What most frequently would follow, often simultaneous with the thank-you message, was another solicitation to contribute -- followed by more solicitations. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Smart money says it's Obama Feb 29, 2008
So far in this primary election season in 2007 and in January 2008 the candidates raised a combined $US542 million from individuals, the Campaign Finance Institute said. That's nearly double the record of $US285. (The Age, Australia -- Breaking News)
Presidential fundraising: 2003 x 2 Feb 16, 2008
We know this thanks to the number-crunchers at the Campaign Finance Institute, which reassesses the presidential money picture after every quarterly report by the candidates to the Federal Election Commission. The latest reports, wrapping up 2007, were filed Jan. 31. (NPR)
Democrats: Seeking Change Feb 8, 2008
The Campaign Finance Institute, which tracks fundraising trends, found that Obama raised about a third of his money in 2007 from donors who gave $200 or less. He could go to them again and again, and as his fortunes rose, so did contributions from those donors. (Investors Business Daily)
Clinton Fundraising Woes Give Obama Edge in Post-Super Tuesday Primaries Feb 8, 2008
Clinton, 60, raised half her money in 2007 from donors who gave the maximum $2,300, compared with one-third for Obama, according to the Campaign Finance Institute, a Washington-based research group. Since Jan. 1, Clinton has raised more than $20 million, including $6. (Bloomberg -- US)
Campaigns' Cash Flow Feb 5, 2008
Sources: Data from Federal Election Commission; analysis of donors by the Campaign Finance Institute. Recipient's e-mail address. (NPR)
For GOP in Iowa, a test of whether money talks Jan 3, 2008
"Message is important, as well as money," said Stephen Weissman, associate director for policy at the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. "Huckabee's message has taken him into the front ranks and has helped him to deliver further money.". (Boston Globe)
Campaigns raise stakes on nonprofits Nov 13, 2007
2 million, a 9% increase from the same period in 2005, the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute reports. Another type of political organization, the 527, named for the IRS code that defines it, emerged when Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and others spent millions during the 2004 presidential election. (Los Angeles Times)
Pile of cash gives Dems edge over GOP Nov 2, 2007
And a study this week by the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute found far more challengers had emerged for Republican House members than Democrats. It also showed that, on average, Democratic incumbents had raised more money to defend their seats than Republicans had. (AZCentral -- News)
Small donors can be a big deal for presidential candidates Oct 19, 2007
Source: Campaign Finance Institute and Clinton campaign ... Among the top fundraisers, Edwards and Thompson have raised the biggest share of money from donors who gave $200 or less, according to data compiled by the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute. (USA Today)
Clinton steals Obama's fund-raising thunder Oct 3, 2007
"Obama and Edwards have the money to make a race, but they need to start translating that into real action," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. "Mrs. Clinton is now the clear front-runner; Obama and Edwards have to find new ways to challenge her.". (International Herald Tribune)
Obama raises $20M in third quarter Oct 2, 2007
The previous Democratic record for the third quarter before an election year was held by former Vermont governor Howard Dean, who raised about $15 million during the same period in 2003, according to the non-profit Campaign Finance Institute. Dean's campaign faltered after his third-place finish in Iowa. (USA Today)
Ensign: Mystery senator not me Sep 29, 2007
The Republican election committee Ensign leads "is going to be able to hide its contributions," said Steve Weissman at the Campaign Finance Institute. Weissman, Sunlight and others think that it's not Ensign but Minority Leader McConnell who is running the show. (Las Vegas Sun)
Candidates spending millions for advice Sep 2, 2007
"The system [this year] is closing off the competition very quickly. This is a seriously flawed presidential nominating process," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. "Money substitutes for time, and good judgment requires time.". (Boston Globe)
Governors make their pitch Jul 27, 2007
Edward Kennedy and Mayor Thomas Menino, both Democrats, helped secure $20million in early funding pledges, according to a report by the non-profit Campaign Finance Institute. To raise money for next year's events, organizers are offering donors everything from luxury seats at the convention hall to receptions with elected officials. (USA Today)
Conventions welcome corporate cash Jul 27, 2007
Corporate donors got access at other conventions: For at least $1 million in 2000, they got a chance to meet GOP nominee George W. Bush, the non-profit Campaign Finance Institute reported. O'Driscoll reported from Denver. (USA Today)
Obama taps Wall Street for dollars Jul 18, 2007
"It's really astounding to me that this underdog candidate is way out ahead in fundraising," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. "He's running neck-and-neck with everybody else in large contributions. His advantage is in the small contributions.". (Yahoo News -- Politics)
GOP hopefuls outspending Dems Jul 17, 2007
That's close to what President Bush spent in all of 2003 for his re-election, according to the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute, which studies the role of money in politics. The latest reports, which cover the second quarter, show the former Massachusetts governor spent nearly $5 million on TV ads more than any candidate of either party. (USA Today)
'Click to donate'How the internet is pulling in big bucks in the White House race Jul 16, 2007
Michael Malbin, of the Campaign Finance Institute, argues that the Democrats have been ahead of the Republicans generally in building online communities. This internet presence has allowed them to sidestep the Republicans' traditional advantage in direct mail marketing - and given the Democrats the chance to gain more than cash. (BBC News -- Americas)
Small donors give Obama a big lift Jul 16, 2007
"This is a very powerful start," said Michael J. Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a Washington group that has been particularly interested in the comparison between large and small donors. Obama raised $58. (Los Angeles Times)
Romney spending big in early states Jul 14, 2007
2 million, according to data collected by the nonprofit Campaign Finance Institute in Washington. Reports filed Friday and earlier this year show. (Los Angeles Times)
Giuliani leads GOP hopefuls in fund-raising Jul 4, 2007
"It's really kind of freezing candidates out. It's making it more difficult for their voices to be heard," said Jamie Pimlott , a research analyst with the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute, which studies campaign fund-raising and spending trends. The fund-raising numbers, like early poll numbers, are not clear-cut indications of a candidate's support or staying power, campaign analysts say. (Boston Globe)
Obama Finds It Pays to Woo Small Donors Jun 28, 2007
When campaigns hold cheap fundraisers, they're looking for something besides money, said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute in Washington. "They always come back for more, but the more doesn't have to be money," Malbin said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Odds bleak for third-party candidates Jun 21, 2007
"If you're relieved of the need to raise the equivalent of five $2,300 contributions every hour of every day of every week of the year, including weekends and holidays . . . can you somehow find other ways of developing networks of volunteers? I think so," said Michael Malbin , executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute. Jackie Salit , who negotiated Bloomberg's endorsement by the Independence Party of New York for both of his mayoral campaigns, said Bloomberg could draw support from... (Boston Globe)
Where campaign $ comes from May 21, 2007
Michael Malbin, executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a Washington-based research center, estimates that less than 2 percent of Americans gave to presidential campaigns the last time around. Nonetheless, some candidates pressured by a steeper mountain of early primaries and the large field of serious competitors hope to raise $100 million this year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
EDITORIAL: Stop papering the Senate May 17, 2007
Last year, the watchdog group Campaign Finance Institute found that contributions received by candidates five months earlier still were not available online a week before the Nov. 6, 2006, elections for six of the 10 most competitive Senate races. The Senate needs to enter the 21st century. (Washington Times)
Shared views, more access May 3, 2007
"When people provide a total of $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000 or more to a candidate," said Steve Weissman of the non-partisan Campaign Finance Institute, "the candidate takes notice and is more inclined to give them access, spend time with them and perhaps absorb their point of view.". Overall, Clinton collected the maximum donation from more than 2,600 people, raising about $12 million, the analysis shows. (USA Today -- News)
Obama draws fine line in funding Apr 22, 2007
"Clearly, the distinction is not that significant," said Stephen Weissman of the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that focuses on campaign issues ... But the Campaign Finance Institute said Obama still received 68% of his money from donations of $1,000 or more, compared with 86% for Clinton. (Los Angeles Times)
