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Bush's Stalwart Donors Largely Sitting Out '08

Current candidates not wowing GOP's most devoted checkbooks

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The money machine that backed George Bush’s two presidential runs is sputtering for 2008’s Republican hopefuls. Disenchanted by Iraq and unimpressed with the current field, GOP donors are largely sitting out—or even padding Democrats' coffers, reports the Washington Post. “I’m not sure which primary I’ll vote in," said one, who sent Barack Obama a check.

GOP candidates have raised only $150 million, compared with the Democrats’ $223 million. “The Republican brand is not selling very well,” lamented one former Bush "Ranger." But some believe the money will return for the general election. “We have a handful of candidates that will be acceptable to the 'Hate Hillary' crowd,” said one fundraiser.

Republican presidential hopefuls Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., Sen. Sam Brownback R-Kan., and Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo. line up on the...
Republican presidential hopefuls Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., former...   (Associated Press)
A supporter of prospective Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, of Tennessee, holds a campaign sign at a South Carolina Republican Party fundraiser, Wednesday, June 27, 2007, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Brett Flashnick)
A supporter of prospective Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, of Tennessee, holds a campaign sign at a South Carolina Republican Party fundraiser, Wednesday, June 27, 2007,...   (Associated Press)
Bush Speaks at an April 2002 RNC fundraiser. The GOP's elite donors, who helped Bush to power twice, are by and large sitting on their checkbooks in 2008.
Bush Speaks at an April 2002 RNC fundraiser. The GOP's elite donors, who helped Bush to power twice, are by and large sitting on their checkbooks in 2008.   (Getty Images)
Republican presidential hopefuls Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., second from right, shakes hand with Sen. Sam Brownback R-Kan., after the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn, Mich. Behind them are former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney,...
Republican presidential hopefuls Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., second from right, shakes hand with Sen. Sam Brownback R-Kan., after the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing...   (Associated Press)
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