$100 Million Here, $100 Million There...

(NEWSER) - An anonymous donor has pledged the largest gift ever—$100 million—to the University of Chicago. The gift's purpose is to eliminate student loans for undergraduates from low-income families. The donor came from a family of modest means and has, quite obviously, done well for himself . The university identified the donor only as a man. More»

Democrats flush with cash heading into crucial primaries

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's campaign will have raised roughly $50 million by the time February ends, the New York Times reports. The record figure overshadows Hillary Clinton's tally of about $35 million for the month, her highest total yet. "It's an extraordinary number for us," said Clinton's campaign chief. The Obama camp hasn't released official figures, but major donors familiar with the tally provided an estimate. More»

Clinton, McCain seeing millions in post-NH fund-raising bounces

(NEWSER) - Mitt Romney bagged $5 million in donations yesterday, and aides called the more than 10,000 contributions a “solid affirmation of support” for the second-place New Hampshire finisher, the Boston Herald reports. The candidate said the donation bonanza showed “a continued belief” that he’s the only Republican who can win in November, the Los Angeles Times adds. More»

Nonprofit not just soapbox, but financial platform for '08 run

(NEWSER) - After the Kerry-Edwards loss in 2004, John Edwards launched two nonprofits, ostensibly to fight poverty—but one of them was devoted primarily to keeping Edwards himself in the public eye. The New York Times asks whether Edwards crossed a legal line, using the foundation, the Center for Promise and Opportunity, as a financial platform on which to build an '08 run. More»

Tax returns show drop in candidate's income, mostly royalties

(NEWSER) - Barack and Michelle Obama unveiled their 2006 federal income tax return yesterday, offering a peek into the wallet of one of the least affluent presidential aspirants. The couple reported $983,826 in taxable income in 2006—a comedown from 2005's $1.6 million. More»