McCain uses 'bundler' money more than Obama campaign
Elite fundraisers have helped collect more than half of McCain's money.
WASHINGTON -- Republican John McCain's elite fundraisers have helped collect more than half of his presidential campaign money, while Democratic rival Barack Obama has relied on his own top fundraisers for nearly one-fifth of his coffers, a USA TODAY analysis shows.
More than 500 top McCain fundraisers brought in at least $75.6 million, or about 53% of the presumptive GOP presidential nominee's receipts through June.
Obama, who also counts more than 500 people among his main fundraising corps, has collected at least $50.1 million through them. That's about 17% of the presumptive Democratic nominee's receipts through May. He has not released June totals.
The money from these fundraisers illustrates how McCain, who co-authored a 2002 law curbing the influence of special interests in campaign finance, is relying on a group of well-connected Republicans to fuel his bid. It also demonstrates that Obama has turned to wealthy donors to help collect cash — even though the bulk of his donations are from contributors who give $200 or less.
"This really proves how enormously valuable it is to have a network of fundraisers out there shaking the bushes for you," said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics. "For McCain, who wants to project an image as a maverick on reform, it is precisely the wrong message to be so reliant on this tiny set of well-heeled donors."
These elite fundraisers are known as "bundlers" because they collect money from friends, family and business associates. Among those raising money for McCain: developer Donald Trump, San Diego Chargers owner Alex Spanos and former Univision CEO Jerry Perenchio. Obama's team includes Vogue editor Anna Wintour, entertainment executive David Geffen and Ned Lamont, a former U.S. Senate candidate from Connecticut.
Both campaigns insist they are not beholden to bundlers. "The people that are supporting John McCain do so because they think he will be the best president," his spokesman, Brian Rogers, said.
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