Texas millionaire gives $7 million to GOP group

Former Swift Boat financier helps American Crossroads raise total of $15 million over 43 days for candidates

Published October 20, 2010 10:27PM (EDT)

Wealthy Republican donor Bob Perry has contributed $7 million to American Crossroads, making him the top donor to one of the pre-eminent groups helping candidates make a run at GOP control of Congress.

The Texas homebuilder donated the money over the past six weeks, according to reports that American Crossroads planned to file with the Federal Election Commission.

Overall, American Crossroads reports show a total fundraising of $15 million over 43 days. Perry gained national attention in 2004 for helping finance Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and its attacks on Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

American Crossroads is affiliated with Crossroads GPS, a nonprofit tax-exempt group that is also raising millions of dollars for political ads but does not have to disclose its donors.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Democratic Party official says the Democratic National Committee raised $17 million in September and entered the final weeks of the election campaign with $13.2 million in the bank.

The official said the national party also raised $11.1 million in the first 13 days of October. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the totals had not yet been filed officially with the Federal Election Commission.

The DNC has consistently outraised the Republican National Committee, providing a financial bulwark for Democrats as they face a difficult midterm election.

The RNC was expected to report raising $9.7 million for September. Republican-allied groups have made up for weak party fundraising, collecting money in unlimited amounts and spending it in key battleground races.


By Jim Kuhnhenn

MORE FROM Jim Kuhnhenn


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

2010 Elections Campaign Finance