Alaskans financially supporting Obama more than McCain
By R. A. Dillon
Published Sunday, September 28, 2008
WASHINGTON — Alaskans have donated $1.1 million to presidential candidates during this two-year election cycle.
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona received $261,545 from Alaskans through Aug. 31, Federal Election Commission reports show. Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama brought in $427,700. The rest went to other candidates who ran in the party primaries.
Overall, Democrats outraised Republicans by nearly $139,000, in part because of the Obama camp’s decision to open five offices and send dozens of field operatives to the state early in the campaign.
“There really is an enthusiasm gap in Alaska between Obama and McCain,” said Nathan Osburn, a spokesman for the Obama campaign. “It really does highlight the fact that we’ve been here for months.”
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Obama raked in $10 million in 24 hours following Palin’s addition to the Republican ticket.
“She’s certainly helped McCain gain recognition in Alaska, but she’s also energized Democrats and encouraged them, especially those who believe she’s not qualified and disagree with her, to give to Obama,” said Jerry McBeath, political science professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
http://newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/28/alaskans-financially-supporting-obama-more-mccain/