GOP says it raised nearly $55M for convention

[October 18, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The group that hosted the Republican National Convention says it raised $55.3 million for the GOP's festivities in Tampa, Fla.

Financial documents filed Wednesday show hundreds of individuals and corporations contributed to the August GOP convention.

High-dollar donations included $5 million from Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, who's poured tens of millions into the presidential race. More than $100,000 apiece in contributions came from household names like Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

The Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., reports raising $24 million -- falling short of its $36.7 million fundraising goal. It relied on at least $5 million in corporate donations despite pledges by party officials to raise cash only from individuals.

The party conventions raise money to pay for tony political shindigs beyond what taxpayer dollars fund.

[Associated Press]

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