WASHINGTON — A vibrant political climate and booming economy are combining to create a whole new universe of campaign contributors--adding new faces to crowds at exclusive mixers and infusing huge amounts of new money into the coffers of Republicans and Democrats alike.
One big reason for the windfall is a series of strongly competitive contests nationwide, from Texas Gov. George W. Bush's spirited attempt to win back the White House for Republicans to Democratic efforts to regain control of the House.
New technologies, which expand access to donors through the Internet and more sophisticated campaign mailings, have also boosted receipts. Then there is the Dow factor: A surging stock market has produced a bigger supply of people who can make hefty contributions to their favorite candidates.
The money surge is starkly evident in the race for president. Four years ago, President Clinton and his nine would-be opponents had amassed roughly $60 million up to this point in the campaign. This year, according to recently released figures, 12 candidates raised more than $103 million in a comparable period.
Contributing to that staggering increase are donors such as Rex Rust, a financial analyst in Richmond, Va. Last month he joined the ranks of corporate titans, Hollywood actors and pro athletes by writing a $1,000 check--the maximum allowed in federal elections--to the George W. Bush Presidential Exploratory Committee.
"As I'm getting older, I'm getting more disposable income," said Rust, a 29-year-old Republican who had given to his church and his alma mater but never before donated to a politician. "I've watched the individual in the White House for the last eight years and I've been frustrated. I've wanted to do something."
Political veterans scan donor lists, spot names like Rex Rust and ask themselves: Who are all these people? Major contributors--lawyers, lobbyists and other deep-pocket donors--now find themselves at fat-cat dinners seated next to software designers young enough to be their children.
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"Money is rolling in," said Dan Morgan, who raises cash for numerous Republican members of Congress. "Democrats are raising more money than ever. Republicans are raising more money than ever. George W. is setting a level which has never even been thought of before . . . There's just more money in the system across the board."
Receipts are also rising as local contests draw national attention.
