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Database Methodology

  

The database on this Web site reflects presidential bundlers whom Public Citizen has learned of since the 2000 campaign.

Bundlers are fundraisers whose efforts are tracked and quantified by the campaigns to which they funnel contributions. In most cases, the bundlers listed here were disclosed by the campaigns for which they worked. In a few cases, primarily for 2008, the database includes “unofficial” bundlers whose identities were disclosed in press reports, state-level campaign Web sites, or through other decentralized means.

To obtain official bundlers only, check the “Name Released By Campaign” option on the database search interface.

White House for Sale

This Web site allows you to follow the money trail of campaign bundlers – or people who funnel money to campaigns – as they collect thousands, and sometimes even millions, of dollars from other people for the 2008 presidential candidates.

It reflects the most comprehensive data Public Citizen’s researchers can obtain. It also explains a little about how we got to this record $1 billion campaign season – and what we can do about it by renewing our dedication to public funding of presidential – and congressional – elections.

Bundler Data:

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Together, two separate corporate entities called Public Citizen, Inc. and Public Citizen Foundation, Inc., form Public Citizen. Both entities are part of the same overall organization, and this Web site refers to the two organizations collectively as Public Citizen.

Although the work of the two components overlaps, some activities are done by one component and not the other. The primary distinction is with respect to lobbying activity. Public Citizen, Inc., an IRS § 501(c)(4) entity, lobbies Congress to advance Public Citizen’s mission of protecting public health and safety, advancing government transparency, and urging corporate accountability. Public Citizen Foundation, however, is an IRS § 501(c)(3) organization. Accordingly, its ability to engage in lobbying is limited by federal law, but it may receive donations that are tax-deductible by the contributor. Public Citizen Inc. does most of the lobbying activity discussed on the Public Citizen Web site. Public Citizen Foundation performs most of the litigation and education activities discussed on the Web site.

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