Fund raising expected to hit $1 billion

There are several factors behind the record-breaking amount.
LOS ANGELES TIMES
WASHINGTON -- This year's presidential race -- fueled by more than a million donors, including many who have never given before -- is well on its way to becoming the country's first $1 billion political campaign, campaign finance experts say.
The money is coming in small donations and large ones, online and in the mail, from wealthy philanthropists to immigrants who can't even vote. In part, it represents unprecedented interest in the campaign from people throughout the country.
Together, President Bush and his presumptive challenger, Sen. John F. Kerry, have drawn money from 700,000 more individual donors than those who contributed to Bush and Democrat Al Gore in the entire 2000 campaign, according to figures provided to the Los Angeles Times by the three campaigns.
Already, Bush, Kerry and the rest of the Democratic field have collected more than $400 million -- more than double what was raised at this point four years ago.
"The numbers are phenomenal," said Anthony Corrado, a campaign finance expert at Colby College in Maine. "Something's happening here. It's like the explosion of civic participation in fund raising."
Reasons for numbers
Experts say several factors explain the 2004 money phenomenon. The contribution limits from individuals doubled to $2,000, which naturally led to more money in the system. Both Bush and Kerry opted out of the public financing system during the primaries, allowing them to raise as much money as possible until this summer's conventions.
Donors can now give money over the Internet more easily. And the country is politically polarized, which has motivated people to try to give their candidate an edge in a very close race.
"It's the perfect political storm for fund raising," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe.
By the time it's all over, when all the money spent by the political parties, state party organizations, independent groups, conventions and the candidates themselves is tallied, several campaign finance experts said the spending total will be $1 billion or more.
"You're definitely talking in excess of $1 billion," said Dwight L. Morris, who analyzes campaign finance data for news organizations. "It is mind-boggling."
Spending on TV ads
Already that money is translating into lots of television advertising, particularly in the 17 battleground states where the presidential election is being fought. It's also paying for voter mobilization drives and hefty fees for dozens of political consultants who strategize, produce ads and conduct polls, as well as to the broadcast stations and networks selling air time.
The thought of a $1 billion presidential campaign shouldn't bother people, said Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie.
"When you look at the amount of money spent to get people to vote and participate in the political system," he said, "it pales in comparison to what is spent to get people to buy toothpaste."