Money+ Politics = Fewer Democrats In Office

As long as THIS continues, the Democrats have as much chance of winning elections as Americans have of Bush learning the meaning of "morals". An excerpt:

"New campaign finance laws, plus control of the White House and Congress, have given President Bush and his party an unprecedented edge in all-important "hard money." Strategists in both parties and independent experts believe Bush is likely to raise three to five times more than his Democratic opponent in this type of contribution, which can be used for any purpose in a campaign. Republican campaign committees are positioned to raise at least twice as much as their Democratic counterparts, enabling them to help GOP candidates up and down the ballot by expanding the party's successful grass-roots organizing efforts and coordinated advertising campaigns."

"In the 2002 election cycle, GOP campaign committees outraised Democrats in hard money by $332 million to $163 million. Looking to 2004 and beyond, Republicans have a much larger pool of reliable donors and a more effective operation for finding new contributors. The likely Republican money edge may add further leverage at a time when the political terrain is already favorable. Analysts in both parties believe the GOP is well-situated to expand its majorities in both the House and Senate next year. Democratic strategists rating the most vulnerable Senate seats in 2004 list a dozen that are held by Democrats, and five in Republican hands."