California Helps Kerry Set Fundraising Records

LA Times

Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry has raised more money from California than any candidate has ever collected in one state in any election.

Fueled by a fierce sentiment against President Bush, California donors have given nearly $3 million more to Kerry's presidential bid than Bush has raised from his home state of Texas, traditionally his biggest source of campaign cash.

Though California has been a virtual automatic teller machine for national candidates, the amount of money poured into Kerry's campaign — and into the liberal independent groups seeking to oust Bush in November — is surprising even the most seasoned fundraisers in the state. ..

Political observers all point to the same reason Democrats outpaced Republicans: intense anti-Bush sentiment that was deepened by the administration's policies on the environment, energy and the war in Iraq. ..

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