Blog Writer The Washington Times - October 16, 2007, 08:33AM
Barack Obama lead in the fundraising race SEE RELATED:

once defended lobbyists
The results are clear. We continue to build the largest grassroots movement in history, but Washington lobbyists and special interests rallied to help Hillary Clinton out-raise us for the first time.\ \ \ If we want real change in this country, then we need to prove that together we are stronger than the lobbyist-driven money machine that has dominated Washington for too long.\ \ \ The situation here is simple. We are $2.1 million behind. We must close that gap right now. I need you to make a donation.\ \ \ Hillary Clinton aggressively seeks money from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs. She’s even said that these lobbyists represent real Americans.\ \ \ She’s wrong.\ \ \ I think it’s time to turn the page on that kind of politics, and that’s why I have not accepted a dime from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs in this race. We rely on a network of more than 350,000 ordinary people to make us competitive — more supporters than all the other Democratic candidates combined.\ \ \ Washington lobbyists have chosen their candidate and are determined to provide her with an overwhelming advantage. But you can even up this contest.\ \ \ In the face of the most entrenched political machine in Democratic politics, I believe a movement of ordinary Americans can change our country. And you can prove that right now.\ \ \ I need you to make a donation to close the gap.\ \ \ Barack
financial disclosures —Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times