Disaffected Right, Left Close Purse Strings to Parties

Frustrated voters are letting Congressional Democrats and Republicans know how they feel—by opening their mouths and closing their pocketbooks. One Dem blogger, miffed at the DNC for perceived inaction in the Maine gay marriage fight, has proposed a boycott on donations to the national committee: “Clearly, money talks." GOP activists are targeting the National Republican Congressional and Senatorial Committees in the same fashion.

“Ultimately, what I want is for the party to be so freaked out that they keep their promises to us,” the blogger tells Politico. Neither party machine has felt the backlash from the sour mood yet—in fact, both are reporting increases in fundraising dollars—but they are making concessions. The NRSC has pledged to steer clear of contested primaries, and the White House is meeting with key liberal players. (More Republican Party stories.)