Jump to full article: Reuters, 2000-07-31
Author: Emma-Kate Symons
Intro: Corporate America is omnipresent in Philadelphia, literally writing the checks to fund most of the convention. Companies are treating it as a major marketing and lobbying opportunity -- holding lavish parties and fund-raising events -- and some are even displaying their wares on the fringes of the event.
Of the estimated $65 million cost of the convention, just $13.3 million came from the government and the rest from private sources, convention organisers said. . .
Philip Morris donated $250,000. . .
``It's an affront to democracy,'' said Ellen Miller, president of Public Campaign, a nonpartisan campaign reform organisation. ``The two-party system has become a large cash register, and the conventions typify that.'' . .
``How does it look? It looks like the corporations have their hands in everyone's pockets,'' Swayze said. ``It's pervasive throughout the political process in this country, but the grass-roots of both parties are interested in campaign reform.''
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