WASHINGTON -- President Bush has collected far more money from Washington lobbyists than Democratic rival John F. Kerry -- roughly $1.1 million to the challenger's $305,000, according to a nonpartisan group's study.
In this election cycle, at least 704 federally registered lobbyists have given more than a million to Bush's 2004 campaign while Kerry has taken in slightly more than $305,000 from 263 lobbyists, said the Center for Public Integrity. The organization reviewed lobbying and campaign finance reports.
Bush's reelection effort has yielded more than $6 million from the fund-raising efforts of about 50 lobbyists who each solicited $50,000 or more for the Republican's campaign, the center study found. As Bush prepared to take office in 2001, he appointed roughly 90 lobbyists to serve on transition teams advising his incoming administration on a range of issues, the center found.
