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Recession Dents Party Coffers

Fundraising unusually low for this point in the cycle

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Mar 27, 2009 10:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – With recession raging and without a campaign to attract attention, donations to both political parties have fallen, reports the Washington Post. Donations to the six major party committees are off 26% from the same period 2 years ago. “People are feeling it,” an energy executive told Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the top Democratic House fundraiser.

The steepness of the fall in fundraising suggests that it’s more than just the usual post-election fatigue. The downturn seems to be punishing Democrats severely. Their supporters “aren’t feeling as flush as they were a year ago,” says a fundraiser. And for Republicans, being shut out of power has closed a major spigot of dollars.

President Barack Obama embraces DNC chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at the Warner Theater in Washington on Wednesday.
President Barack Obama embraces DNC chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at the Warner Theater in Washington on Wednesday.   (AP Photo)
Vice-President Joe Biden, speaks during a re-election fundraiser for Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Little Rock, Ark.
Vice-President Joe Biden, speaks during a re-election fundraiser for Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Little Rock, Ark.   (AP Photo/Mike Wintroath)
In this 2008 file photo, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, talks to supporters. Cornyn is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the lone GOP bright spot.
In this 2008 file photo, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, talks to supporters. Cornyn is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the lone GOP bright spot.   (AP Photo)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Aug. 26, 2008.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Aug. 26, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Call me back when the price of natural gas goes up; maybe I'll be able to help you then. - Energy company executive, to Sen. John Cornyn

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mad
Mar 27, 2009 3:50 AM CDT
Wait till 2010, the recession will be resolving and the midterms will be up. America will like how it feels to be governed by Dems. Then, we'll finally rise up and completely smash the republicans out of Congress.

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