RACE PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON MEGA-DONOR TREND

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 24, 2006, 11:40PM
RACE PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON MEGA-DONOR TREND
Candidates for governor get 40% of cash from a few, fueling call for caps


By JANET ELLIOTT and R.G. RATCLIFFE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - Fewer than 125 people have contributed 40 percent of the money raised in the governor's race, focusing a spotlight on mega-donors and their interests.

An analysis by the Houston Chronicle of the $25 million raised by the four major candidates between last year and the first six months of this year found key donors with interests ranging from energy and tort laws to food processing and home building.

Their contributions ranged from $50,000 to $850,000.

Texas is one of seven states with no limits on the size of campaign contributions. Critics say the absence of limits has created super-donors who wield a disproportionate amount of political power.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4211317.html

[fasttense]

1. Ah, the buying of politicians at discount prices too. n/t

[Bandit]

2. Can you believe this is happening in Texas?

:shrug: Who would have thunk it?

[AX10]

3. Well it is Texas afterall.