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Democrats Balk at Obama's Donation Ban

Lower-level candidates need the cash; policy offends lobbyists

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 10, 2008 3:27 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama won't accept contributions from lobbyists and PACs, but the rest of his party is unlikely to follow suit, reports Politico. Democratic lobbyists and fundraisers are outraged that the donations they secure are automatically considered suspect, while Senate and House candidates simply need the cash to compete. "You really have to look under every rock," a House aide says of fundraising.

Democratic House candidates have received more than $103 million from PACs this election season; Democratic Senate contenders have taken in about $20.5 million. Obama has "got to realize that right now, he's the Babe Ruth of politics," says a lobbyist. "You've got a lot of other people out there who are AAA ballplayers."

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama holds his hand near his ear as he tries to hear a question while speaking to the media at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama holds his hand near his ear as he tries to hear a question while speaking to the media at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, on Tuesday, June 10,...   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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