With apologies to Sally Field, it seems when it comes to Senator Barack Obama, Vermont Democrats like him. They really, really like him.
At least that's what the just-in second quarter campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Elections Commissions suggest. For a look at the FEC's cool interactive USA money map, click
HERE.
Obama's got the most Vermont donors (133) of any Democrat running for the White House, and has taken in the most money from Vermont as well, $123,957.
In fact, it's not even a contest, if you're measuring this race by donors and dollars. Senator Hillary Clinton finished a distant second, with 20 donors and $21,722. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson squeaked ahead of former Senator John Edwards in money battle, netting $8,700 to Edwards' 7,789. Both had 17 donors.
If you're wondering where high-profile Democrats are putting their money, State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding has his ($500) on Obama, as does Dem strategist Carolyn Dwyer ($960), and Chuck (husband of Speaker Gaye Symington) Lacy $(250).
Vermont Republicans tipped the scales in favor of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. He pulled down $32,650 from 20 donors, while Senator John McCain got $22,275 from 26 donors and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani took in $8,650 from eight donors.
Big name Republicans were all over the place. Randy Brock, the former state auditor, gave McCain $2,300; former Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling dropped $250 on the Arizonan. Both donations came in late June as McCain's ship was beginning to sprout leaks. Meanwhile, Jack McMullen, the former Senate candidate, gave Romney $1,000 and long-ago gubernatorial candidate Luther Hackett sent Giuliani $250.
Bottom line, Vermonters ponied up $237,106 for Democratic candidates and $123,957 for Republicans.
-- Sam Hemingway
