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Bush Pioneer

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Bush Pioneers are people who gathered $100,000 for George W. Bush's 2000 or 2004 presidential campaign. Two new levels, Bush Rangers and Super Rangers, were bestowed upon supporters who gathered $200,000+ or $300,000+, respectively, for the 2004 campaign, after the 2002 McCain–Feingold campaign finance law raised hard money contribution limits. This was done through the practice of "bundling" contributions. [1] There were 221 Rangers and 327 Pioneers in the 2004 campaign and 241 Pioneers in the 2000 campaign (550 pledged to try).[1] A fourth level, Bush Mavericks, was used to identify fundraisers under 40 years of age who bundled more than $50,000. [2]

The Pioneer system was devised by Karl Rove. The network has roots in Texan GOP donor lists compiled by Rove, whose political roots are in direct-mail solicitation in the 1980s.[3]

Nineteen of the original Pioneers became ambassadors in 2001. Six Pioneers have been convicted of politics-related crimes.[citation needed]

Pioneers were involved in the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. An analysis in 2006 found that 12 were supporting Rudy Giuliani, 21 supporting John McCain, and 16 supporting Mitt Romney.[4] A July 2008 report found fewer than half of the 2004 Pioneers and Rangers had yet contributed their own money to McCain.[5][6]

Prominent Pioneers, Rangers and Mavericks

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References

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  1. ^ a b Jim Drinkard and Laurence McQuillan (2003-10-16). "'Bundling' contributions pays for Bush campaign". USA Today.
  2. ^ John Cheves (2004-08-28). "Raising $50,000 for Bush makes 23 year old a seasoned political player". Lexington Herald-Leader (via Texans for Public Justice) crim. Archived from the original on 2013-04-15.
  3. ^ Charles Laurence (2003-06-15). "Bush's Rangers on trail to round up record $200m". Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2003-08-31.
  4. ^ Chris Cillizza (2006-12-11). "2008 Whale List Grows". The Fix, Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2008-08-29.
  5. ^ Mooney, Brian C. (2008-07-01). "Bush base yet to rush to donate to McCain: Funding woes tied to candidate's stances, GOP standing in polls". The Boston Globe.
  6. ^ Noah, Timothy (2008-07-01). "John McCain, Prisoner of Cash: How GOP fat cats will bring a Republican maverick to heel". Slate.
  7. ^ Richard Wolffe and Holly Bailey (2005-01-12). "The Oval: Partying at the Inauguration". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 2005-01-13.
  8. ^ Clint Johnson (2004-07-22). "Texas' 4th-richest man appointed Regent". The Daily Texan. Archived from the original on 2004-08-13.
  9. ^ Lerer, Lisa. "Tycoon Finds Money Can't Buy Him Love". Politico.com. Politico. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
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