Obama Popular Among Military Donors

Thu, August 14, 2008 - 1:39 PM

U.S. troops deployed overseas have given Barack Obama nearly six times the amount of campaign contributions as they have given John McCain, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Looking at 323 donations from troops stationed abroad, the center found Obama received $60,642 to McCain’s $10,665.

Anti-war Republican Ron Paul still received four times McCain’s take. Paul received $45,512 through June 31, according to the analysis.

The center studied Federal Election Commission records and tallied donations from contributors who listed the armed services as their employer. The FEC only collects such data on donors who give $200 or more.

Looking at all military donors, regardless of where they are currently stationed, the center found Obama received $335,536 compared to McCain’s $280,513. The center found Obama also counted 301 more service member donors than McCain.

--Neil Simon