The hard reality of 'soft money'

Use of Invesco Field skyboxes as a fundraising tool provides a positive ending to what was at first considered a financial headache. When Obama announced that he planned to deliver his acceptance speech at the outdoor stadium, campaign officials estimated that it would add about $6 million to the convention's cost. Since then, the sale of the $1-million packages has been highly successful, with many of the boxes selling out.

Those paying the $1-million price tag will get skybox tickets for 25 people and an additional 50 regular tickets to Invesco Field.

What's more, donors will get occasional access to skyboxes at the Pepsi Center, where the rest of the convention will take place. Donors will also have access to private parties and receptions.

Obama spokesman Sevugan insisted that none of the campaign's involvement with large-dollar convention funding indicated a weakening of Obama's resolve to reform the system.

Sevugan said: "In addition to his commitment to reform the convention funding process, Sen. Obama has also taken unprecedented steps to curb the influence of money on the political process in refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists, money raised by them, and asking the DNC to do the same -- all steps that John McCain refuses to take.

"While we recognize that the steps we have taken are not perfect or even a perfect symbol, they do reflect the fact that Barack Obama shares the urgent desire of the American people to change the way Washington operates."

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tom.hamburger@latimes.com

peter.wallsten@latimes.com

Times staff writers Peter Nicholas and Vimal Patel contributed to this report.

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Convention funding

Some top donors to both upcoming events:

For Democrats

Qwest Communications: $6 million

Xcel Energy: $1 million

Level 3 Communications: $1 million

Molson Coors: $1 million

Union Pacific: $1 million

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For Republicans

Qwest Communications: $6 million

Xcel Energy: $1 million

UnitedHealth Group: $1.5 million

St. Jude Medical: $1 million

U.S. Bank: $1 million

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Note: Disclosure isn't required until 60 days after the convention, so the information here is what the companies themselves have acknowledged.

Source: Campaign Finance Institute. Graphics reporting by Vimal Patel.