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Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe left a few surprises for incoming DNC chair Howie Dean. Perhaps the biggest was McAuliffe's decision to give to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) full access to the DNC's donor database known as "Demzilla." McAuliffe didn't consult with Dean or any of Dean's advisers in giving the two congressional campaign committees access to the list. For years, the RNC has given its party's House and Senate campaign committees access to its version of the data base, but that's partly because both committees help finance the list and...

With Election Day little more than three months away, the technology department at the Democratic National Committee is hiring, and evidently their desire to staff up at such a late date has a lot to do with the success of their huge voter and donor tracking system. About three years ago, the DNC hired Plus Three, a small technology firm that specializes in IT consulting for nonprofit organizations, to help build its system. The decision came at a pivotal moment, not long before the 2002 midterm elections, when the Republican Party had had such a system up and running for...

'Demzilla' and 'Voter Vault' Are Watching You BY MILES BENSON WASHINGTON -- You have two new big brothers and both are watching you closely. The Democratic National Committee boasts electronic files on 158 million Americans. The Republican National Committee says it's way ahead, with files on 165 million. National party computers today keep track of where you live, your phone number and e-mail address, whether you vote, your willingness or refusal to make political contributions, your interests, ethnic background, reading habits and church attendance. Some files contain hints about your sexual preferences, whether own a gun, and your views on...

<p>WASHINGTON -- When Congress passed a campaign finance bill 18 months ago, it was hailed as a historic measure that would change the face of American politics. It was supposed to take special interest money out of campaigns. It was supposed to prevent a handful of wealthy people from dominating the election.</p>

<p>WASHINGTON — The late-afternoon shadows are lengthening on Capitol Hill, but Wyatt Smith's workday is still in full swing. It is prime telephone time on the West Coast, and the Republican money man is dialing for a series of upcoming party fundraisers.</p>

WASHINGTON — The Democratic and Republican parties are watching you closely. National party computers today keep track of where you live, your phone number and e-mail address, whether you vote, your willingness or refusal to make political contributions, your interests, ethnic background, reading habits and church attendance. Some files contain hints about your sexual preferences, whether you own a gun, and your views on abortion and other issues. The Democratic National Committee boasts electronic files on 158 million Americans. The Republican National Committee (RNC) says it's way ahead, with files on 165 million. The Democrats call their system "Demzilla." Republicans...