Posted on 08/25/2004 10:34:31 PM PDT by kattracks
Liberal-leaning groups have dominated the use of an emerging political tool known as a 527, pouring tens of millions of unregulated dollars into efforts to defeat President Bush, but Republicans have ramped up efforts to close the gap before the November election.
"We felt it was imperative that we engage in the debate and help level the playing field to counter what the liberal 527s have done over the past year, beating up President Bush," said Brian McCabe, president of Progress for America Voter Fund, a 527 that had raised only about $3 million until about six weeks ago.
The group, one of many 527s that have flourished since Congress barred political parties from using unlimited contributions, or "soft money," from unions, corporations and individuals, now has $35 million in pledges and deposits, and is to start its second anti-Kerry ad buy in Iowa and Wisconsin today.
Mr. McCabe said Republican donors have been "coalescing" around his group in the past few weeks.
Anti-Bush 527s have been a political force this election cycle, with nine of the top ten fund-raising 527s being Democratic or anti-Bush groups, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Among the top 50 fund-raising 527s, which CRP determined based on Internal Revenue Service records as of Monday, just a handful are working against Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry.
CRP says three groups -- the Media Fund, America Coming Together (ACT) and MoveOn.org -- have raised a combined $64 million to spend on ads and voter registration and mobilization efforts.
"Democrats as a fact dominate the 527s right now. There's no question about that," said Steven Weiss, communications director for CRP. "And Republicans, who initially opposed 527s, are now getting into the game and trying to raise as much money as possible."
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
Democrats seem to want to have it both ways. (as if thats anything new)
Bush at least comes out and says he's against ALL 527's, but the dems can't even do that. They only come out against ads that attack THEIR precious candidate. Nevermind that 60+ million has been spent smearing George W Bush.
I can't wait for the US Chamber of Commerse spots to start running. They're gorgeous, heart-rending and use tons of 9/11 images!!! Pics of GW I've never seen.
How dare we!!!!
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