WASHINGTON – President Bush has collected far more money from Washington lobbyists than Democratic rival John Kerry (search) — roughly $1.1 million to the challenger's $305,000, according to a nonpartisan group's study.
In this election cycle, at least 704 federally registered lobbyists have given more than a million to Bush's 2004 campaign while Kerry has taken in slightly more than $305,000 from 263 lobbyists, said the Center for Public Integrity (search). The organization reviewed lobbying and campaign finance reports.
Bush's re-election effort has yielded more than $6 million from the fund-raising efforts of about 50 lobbyists who each solicited $50,000 or more for the Republican's campaign, the center study found. As Bush prepared to take office in 2001, he appointed roughly 90 lobbyists to serve on transition teams advising his incoming administration on a range of issues, the center found.
Kerry, the four-term Massachusetts senator, listed at least four lobbyists who raised $100,000 or more for his presidential campaign.
Some lobbyists have been hedging their bets. At least 21 gave to both candidates, the study showed.
The lobbyist donations represent a fraction of the money Bush and Kerry have raised overall. Bush is already in the neighborhood of $200 million for the 2004 race and raised about $106 million in 2000; Kerry's campaign is approaching its goal of roughly $105 million.
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