Ethics shift may cut Dem convention funds

WASHINGTON, March 9 (UPI) -- Next year's Democratic convention in Charlotte, N.C., is likely to be scaled down since President Barack Obama banned corporate funding, planners say.

Mike Stratton, a lead fundraiser for the 2008 convention in Denver, told Politico fundraising for Charlotte will be "exponentially more difficult and more challenging."

"Clearly, the White House goal here is to send a message this is not a lobbyist-fest ... not an event for the highest bidder," he said.

The party is asking the Charlotte host committee to raise $40 million -- $10 million less than Denver -- but that figure could soar if the city cannot get federal funding for security.

In 2008, Congress appropriated $50 million to both parties for convention security. But it was passed as an earmark, and Obama is promising to veto earmarks. The federal budget also is under much more pressure now.

Campaign finance reform advocates are pleased and urging the Republicans to follow suit.

Larry Noble, former head of the Center for Responsive Politics, said corporations still will be able to make large in-kind donations of computer equipment, cars and other gods.

Both conventions in 2008 were overwhelming funded by corporations and a few wealthy individuals.