By Matea Gold – As a candidate in 2008, Barack Obama vowed to squelch the role of special interests in financing the party conventions — so he barred corporations and lobbyists from contributing money to this year’s national convention in Charlotte, N.C.
But even as Democrats tout the three-day event in September as a populist gathering, organizers have found ways to skirt the rules and give corporations and lobbyists a presence at the nominating convention. That suggests they can’t raise the $37 million for the political extravaganza without at least some help from moneyed interests.
Under terms set by the Democratic National Committee, individuals are limited to giving $100,000 to the host committee, the organization raising money for the convention. Donations from for-profit corporations, political action committees and lobbyists are prohibited. Corporations that have not repaid money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program or other bailout programs cannot make in-kind contributions. more> http://is.gd/LZC6kL
Related articles
- Updates from Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
- Venue for Obama’s convention speech draws criticism (firstread.msnbc.msn.com)