Spreadsheets Can't Handle Democrats' Haul

FEC, watchdogs, Excel struggle to keep up with bulging bank accounts

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2008 11:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Democratic presidential candidates have raised so much money that the FEC can’t handle the data, Politico reports. Barack Obama’s January report was so big that industry standard spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel 2003 couldn’t handle it. By March, Hillary Clinton had also broken the Excel barrier—a mere 65,536 rows and 256 columns.

At least one Obama report was published online a day late because the FEC’s automated software couldn’t process it. The huge reports have undermined efforts by the FEC and others to provide user-friendly campaign finance data. “Our people are working harder than ever and faster than ever because the candidates are raising more money more quickly than ever,” said a research group rep.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., talks with a woman as she pauses before signing an autograph, during a campaign stop at a Cuban social club, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., talks with reporters after leaving Puerto Rico aboard his plane en route to Chicago Saturday, May 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a campaign stop in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday, May 24, 2008. Obama visited Puerto Rico ahead of the June 1 primary. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Supporters of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama mingle at a $100-a-person fundraiser Friday, June 8, 2007, in downtown Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

65536,IV: Last row, last column ((c) marklarson)

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Spreadsheets Can't Handle Democrats' Haul

FEC, watchdogs, Excel struggle to keep up with bulging bank accounts

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Edwards Will Accept Public Financing

Candidate points to principle, analysts to necessity

Obama Looks to Crack Down on Secret Donations

Administration actions would replace law Congress fails to pass

Clinton Writes Off $13.2M Campaign Loan

Forgiving loan helps clear way for confirmation at State

Obama Ordered to Return Illegal Donations

Newsweek report prompts GOP to request federal inquiry

Clinton Lends Campaign $1M as Debts Mount

Reticent donors make mountain of liabilities difficult to pay off

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Spreadsheets Can't Handle Democrats' Haul

FEC, watchdogs, Excel struggle to keep up with bulging bank accounts

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • campaign finance • FEC • Federal Election Commission • campaign finance report

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Edwards Will Accept Public Financing

Candidate points to principle, analysts to necessity

Obama Looks to Crack Down on Secret Donations

Administration actions would replace law Congress fails to pass

Clinton Writes Off $13.2M Campaign Loan

Forgiving loan helps clear way for confirmation at State

Obama Ordered to Return Illegal Donations

Newsweek report prompts GOP to request federal inquiry

Clinton Lends Campaign $1M as Debts Mount

Reticent donors make mountain of liabilities difficult to pay off

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Newser By Users

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