We must demand Dem candidates take this fund raising pledge --

[hansolsen]

Our candidates must raise all their campaign funds from small contributions. They must accept no money from corporate America or any special interest that bundles funds.

The one thing we learned in the 2004 election (led by Howard Dean in the primaries) is that the Dem base has plenty of money and we are willing to support candidates who support us.

This demand would create a bright line litmus test that would drive out many DINOs and bring in many new and improved candidates.

Can you support me in this idea?? Thanks, Hans

[adwon]

1. It'd be a hell of a selling point

I have a question, too. Are corporations, as corporations, allowed to donate money directly to candidates or are they required to go through PACs? For all the talk of campaign finance over the last 10 years, I still don't know this :(.

[hansolsen]

2. No, they can't contribute diectly to the candidate's campaing fund. But

they can "bundle" contributions from "key" employees, who can contribute $2,000 each, plus $2,000 from that employees spouse.

So it is fairly easy for Corporations to "bundle" hundreds of thousands of dollars in such a way it is unmistakeable to the candidate, who and what is buttering his or her bread.

And, Of course, they can give unlimited amounts to 527s and other off the books entities.

[adwon]

3. Thanks

That falls in line with what I suspected, but it's nice to get confirmation :P