Wiley Rein's Michael Toner Comments on Fundraising by GOP Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann

Election Law & Government Ethics Practice co-chair Michael Toner commented in a Bloomberg News story on the fundraising efforts by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) in her bid for the GOP nomination. The article focused on Ms. Bachmann's ability to harness the power of small donors, a resource put to great effect by President Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign.

Bloomberg reports that over a two week period Ms. Bachmann raised as much money from small donors--those who gave less than $200--as former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney did during more than two months of fundraising.

"Bachmann has really passionate supporters at the grassroots level," said Mr. Toner. "Romney's challenges are the flip side of Bachmann's. His challenge is gathering support among conservative activists and getting the $25 contributions."

Mr. Toner, former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, advised former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty's presidential campaign before he withdrew from the race.