Dems catching up in super PAC donor race

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Barely a month before the U.S. election, Democratic super PACs are drawing even with their Republican opposition when it comes to big-time donors, figures show.

After Republican-aligned groups enjoyed a heavy advantage in large donor support, The New York Times found Priorities USA Action, a fundraising group known as a super PAC that can raise unlimited amounts of money to support a political cause of specific candidate, has seen more than 40 donations of at least $250,000 and dozens more in the lower six-figure range.

The Times found the source of the money is traditional Democratic constituencies when it comes to fundraising: trial lawyers, Hollywood celebrities and labor unions. Only a handful of prominent gay donors have supported Obama financially despite his coming out in favor of gay marriage. And unlike his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, most of the president's wealthy personal friends and colleagues have stayed on the sidelines in regards to super PAC donations.

And Republicans still enjoy a wide lead in the world of big-time donors. Four Democratic groups have raised about $74 million; two super PACs run by former George W. Bush strategist Karl Rove have raised more than $300 million.