VOID growth in 2006

I read Tom DeLay also has picked up a million + for his campaign.

Yes, but 2/3 of those donations came before his indictment. It remains to be seen if his supporters will continue to dole out the cash on an indicted or worse, convicted, politician. My guess is, not! Especially if he is challenged by a respected opponent of the GOP.

If Tom DeLay gets convicted, I hope Bush doesn't later give him a pardon (like Clinton who pardoned Dan Rostenkowski, who even pled guilty).

This pardoning business is a slap in the face to the judge and jury and the tax payers that have to foot the bill for the trial (for nothing).

Dan, I couldn't agree more.

What becomes of the campaign contribution money (ie. that donated for Delay) in the event that the candidate voluntarilly withdraws or, as in the case of Delay is forced to withdraw for reasons of illegal or inappropriate conduct.

Steve, I am assuming here, but, my guess is the money technically belongs to the campaign committee, not the candidate and therefore would be used for electing the candidate to replace DeLay.

I'm glad to see that the incumbents are in for a battle.
But is all that money going to third party or independents, or are the two major parties getting it all?

Ron, I'm confused by your question. Are you referring to the money donated to reelect Tom DeLay mentioned above?

No, I'm talking about the money the challengers are recieving.
Do you have any breakdown on what the party affilitions of the challengers?

Ron, I've not seen any evidence that 3rd parties are picking up increased revenue. I don't recall a breakdown by party affiliation.

To bad, I was hoping that someone other than the 2 main parties was getting more money.

If the third parties and independents grasp and run with the non-incumbent message, they may not need a lot of money. It's in their best interest.

Hmmm. Maybe Libby and DeLay will both get pardons? Of course, their innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, that could take years, and still never reveal the truth.

You might be right d.a.n. It seems that once canidates start getting big money donations they loose intrest in whats best of the country and look after their big donners.

Even if DeLay didn't break any laws, I don't want his kind in government.
He exemplifies "Government for Sale" like no other.
He's being accused of money laundering. That's pretty serious, but what else does it tell you about the government, and election campaign finance?