Four most populous states 'political ATMs'

WASHINGTON -- Donations from California, New York, Texas and Florida account for $1 out of every $3 raised by the 2008 presidential candidates, new campaign-finance data show.

These four states, traditionally the richest sources of political giving, account for more than $140 million of the $420 million raised since January, according to an analysis by USA TODAY of Federal Election Commission records.

Since there are three months to go before voters cast their ballots in the first nominating contests, donations from the four most populous states will easily surpass their 2004 primary total of nearly $177 million.

Massie Ritsch, communications director of the non-profit Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics, said the analysis highlights the difference between courting voters and courting donors.

"The early votes come out of New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina, but the early money comes out of California, New York and Texas and the other political ATMs of our country," Ritsch said.

"As a result, the candidates campaign on two playing fields," he said. "They meet with voters in early primary states, and to get their money, they head to the big cities on the coasts."

The analysis found Republicans have the edge in only one of the top 10 donor areas: President Bush's home of Texas. Overall, the leading Democratic contenders have outraised their GOP rivals by more than $60 million since January.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani received the most from Lone Star donors: nearly 23% of the $21 million raised in Texas. He is a partner in a Houston law firm that bears his name.

Among Democrats, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton raised the most in Texas: more than $3 million. She also has strong Texas ties, having been first lady in neighboring Arkansas and from her work in Austin on George McGovern's failed 1972 presidential bid.

By comparison, GOP Rep. Ron Paul — the only Texan in the race — received nearly $732,000 from his home state. That total also represents his biggest haul from any state.