WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- The Internet is making it easier for Democrats to increase their fundraising base because it is cheaper than direct mail and easy for repeat donations.
Republicans have developed lengthy lists of small donors for some time -- two-thirds of money donated to the GOP came in the last election cycle from contributions under $200, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Meanwhile, Democrats received 92 percent of unregulated contributions over $1 million, the center said.
"We didn't have that kind of operation beforehand, and there has been a major push within the Democratic Party to fill that void," Tony Welch, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, told the New York Times.
Under current campaign finance rules, individuals may give $2,000 to candidates, but only the first $250 is matched by federal funds.
The candidates to be the Democratic nominee for president have found that those contributing via the Internet are of more modest incomes but willing to contribute monthly -- Richard Gephardt's campaign said the average donation it has received monthly via the Net is $17.08.
