Convention Funding Guide Tracks Money, Donors, Fundraising Rules

Rollback of fundraising regulations leads to higher private fundraising

U.S. PIRG Education Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund released its Guide to Convention Funding: Cleveland GOP Convention. The new report gives a snapshot of the sources of convention funding, what contribution limits and laws apply to convention fundraising, and the impact of large private contributors.

Explore the Guide to Convention Funding: Cleveland GOP Convention

“Since, the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, our elections have become a playground for wealthy donors and special interests.,” said Dan Smith, Democracy Campaign Director for U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “Now, rollbacks to convention spending rules have given mega-donors yet another avenue to influence our democracy. In an election year where voters from both parties are calling for reform, we need our lawmakers to stand up for solutions that put everyday Americans back in control.”

Convention Fundraising by the Numbers:

  • $81,139,475 — Expected private fundraising for the Republican National Convention
  • 42% — Expected increase in private convention fundraising since 2012
  • $84,258,465 — Total raised by delegate-holding Republican candidates
  • 52% — Percent of Republican primary campaign cash raised from large donors
  • $100,200 –Amount a single donor can donate to party convention committee per year
  • 75 — Number of donors giving maximum allowable contribution to convention committee

Using fundraising numbers both filed with the Federal Election Commission and self-reported, U.S. PIRG places total fundraising for Republican National Convention at $81 million. That’s approximately 42 percent higher than the total raised in private cash for the 2012 Republican National Convention. The convention’s large private fundraising receipts this cycle are likely due to the recent elimination of public financing and an increase in contribution caps to convention committees.

Read the Guide to Convention Funding: Cleveland GOP Convention

#  #  #

 

With public debate around important issues often dominated by special interests pursuing their own narrow agendas, U.S. PIRG Education Fund offers an independent voice that works on behalf of the public interest. U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer Americans meaningful opportunities for civic participation.