Congress

How much of the increase in large donors $$ role in congressional campaigns is due to the doubling of the contribution limit in M-F?  (I guess I could take a closer look at the CFI report).

This statement caught my eye: "and the small donors tend to be an important source of activists.  This is, of course, great for the democratic process in general: political giving often leads to greater civic and political participation and investment."  In nonprofit fundraising the experience is the opposite - you get people to take action, then later they give money.  I wonder if the dynamic is really different in candidate campaigns - or if it's been studied.

and this: "And of course, small donor dollars don't give the impression that they're trying to buy undue influence with the campaign."  More than just an impression -- it's reality, small donors don't have undue influence.  In fact, as an individual, practically none.