From the Texas Tribune: The Top GOP Donors and Bundlers in Texas

A look at at the deep pockets in Texas who determine which GOP candidates are and are not viable.

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While Iowa and New Hampshire have the first presidential nominating contests, there’s also a key Republican primary fight going on right now in Texas: the money chase.

The ring-kissing is occurring in every metropolitan area in the state and in oil-rich Midland.

. . . Here’s a look at 10 Texas GOP donors and 10 bundlers — super fundraisers — who are in high demand during the money chase. This list is based on interviews with two dozen state and national operatives, Federal Election Commission records and data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. While dozens of influential Texas Republican donors and bundlers are not on this list, their impact could expand as the 2016 presidential race further takes shape.

. . . Few developments changed politics more radically than the introduction of super PACs in 2010.

These outside groups, which are often aligned with but not allowed to coordinate with candidates, mean that Texas billionaires are no longer restricted in how much money they can spend to support a presidential contender.

Obama's Haul and Bundling

Obama raised an impressive amount of money - $86 million - in the three month period ending June 30th. Reports tell us this is more than all the Republican candidates combined.

An interesting aspect of this story is the number of donations that came from "bundling" a practice where one person who has maxed out their contribution limits can collect checks from others and bundle them together so that it makes an impact. on the campaign. Bundlers for successful presidential campaigns often are then rewarded with appointed positions in that adminitstration.

- Campaign Finance in the United States.
- What Obama's Richest Donors Tell us About his Campaign.
- Obama Campaign Releases Bundler List.
- Obama For America and Obama Victory Fund 2012 Volunteer Fundraisers.
- Watchdogs Ask: What About the Bundlers?