Virginians Pour Record Dollars Into Election

State's newfound battleground status sparks funding fervor

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2008 9:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – With their home state up for grabs for the first time in decades, Virginians—particularly Democrats from the northern part of the state—are pouring money into the presidential race, the Washington Post reports. Thus far, locals have given a record $25.3 million to various candidates throughout the election cycle; that's twice as much as they anted up in 2004.

Some $15.9 million has gone to Democrats, including $8.1 million to Barack Obama. The GOP has raised $9.3 million, with $5 million going to John McCain. “People are very, very excited,” said an Obama finance chairman. While the Illinois senator’s financial success has been linked to small donors, he has 14 bundlers in the state; McCain has 52.

The Virginia delegation announces their votes in support of John McCain during the roll call at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. shakes hands outside Virginia Favorites, Ltd., in Emporia, Va., Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In this Aug. 21, 2008 file photo, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine looks on as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama,D-Ill., right, speaks during a town hall meeting in Chester, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Virginians Pour Record Dollars Into Election

State's newfound battleground status sparks funding fervor

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McCain's Elite Fundraisers Trump Obama's

But that could change when Barack matches his rival's disclosures

Fatcat Obama Bundlers Score Gov't Jobs, Contracts

About 80% of those who gave $500k or more now in administration

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But it paves way for new standard in political fundraising system

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New type of fundraising is quickly becoming lucrative cash stream

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He's already shown he knows how to spend

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Virginians Pour Record Dollars Into Election

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • John McCain • campaign finance • Virginia • campaign fundraising • bundlers • battleground states

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

McCain's Elite Fundraisers Trump Obama's

But that could change when Barack matches his rival's disclosures

Fatcat Obama Bundlers Score Gov't Jobs, Contracts

About 80% of those who gave $500k or more now in administration

Obama's Haul Spurs Concern About Faceless Donors

But it paves way for new standard in political fundraising system

Big 'Bundlers' Help Fuel Both Campaigns

New type of fundraising is quickly becoming lucrative cash stream

Obama Wallet Strikes Fear in GOP Hearts

He's already shown he knows how to spend

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