Donors line up to sponsor DNC convention

DENVER, May 12 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee has lined up 56 corporate sponsors for its nominating convention this summer in Denver.

The Rocky Mountain News reported Monday that many of the DNC's corporate sponsors have one thing in common -- they have either have business with the federal government or they lobby on pending issues.

Former Denver City Councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt said fundraising is "always about access" to candidates.

"Here's the reality," Barnes-Gelt said, "and this comes from the experience of an old fundraiser: The first people you go to for money are people who have an interest in making sure you're in a decision-making position. And that's true whether you're the DNC, the president of the United States or the local city council person."

Among sponsors are Qwest, Molson Coors and Vail Resorts, Anheuser-Busch, Union Pacific and 3M.

Some donors are also sponsoring the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, including 3M, Allstate, AstraZeneca, AT&T, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co., Ford, Merck, Qwest, the Service Employees

International Union, US Bank, Visa and Xcel Energy.

"Welcome to the American political system," Barnes-Gelt said of the companies who are giving money on both sides of the aisle.