Who Are Burlington Political Donors Giving To This Year?

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington's political donors have spread their money widely this year, with no candidate getting more than a few thousand dollars. According to data from the Federal Elections Commission, most of which dates to the end of June, Burlington residents gave over $2,000 to five different presidential candidates, as well as a variety of congressional campaigns and issues-based committees. 379 different people donated in that period, for a total of $69,620.32.

Among presidential candidates, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders received the most money, $5,197.94. One donor gave over one quarter of the 69,620 total: Edmund Thompson of the telecom company Polycom gave $20,000 to the Democratic National Committee. No other donor gave more than $2,500.

Almost $7,000 in donations to the Raytheon Company Political Action Committee are listed as coming from Burlington, but those refer to Raytheon employees working in Burlington.

Many of the actual resident donations came in small increments, often made through ActBlue, the nonprofit which many Democrats use to raise online donations. Almost $20,000 in contributions were made through the service. ActBlue itemizes small donations, which is not required, so data on donations to Democrats is more complete than donations to Republicans or other organizations.

Including ActBlue donations, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders leads the Democratic field in total contributions from Burlington, with over $5,000, beating Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren by over $1,500. President Donald Trump received a little over $2,000.

The top 8 presidential campaigns with Burlington donors, by amount raised, were:

Bernie Sanders $5,197.94
Elizabeth Warren $3,609.19
South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg $2,343
President Donald Trump $2,033.93
California Senator Kamala Harris $2,024.40
Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke $1,799
Former Vice President Joe Biden $1,759
Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard $702.27

Outside of presidential candidates, Burlington donors also gave thousands to various political committees and congressional candidates. Democratic Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey received $730 from the district, and Democratic senate hopeful Mark Kelly of Arizona got $616. Aside from the $20,000 to the DNC, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee topped the list of non-candidates, getting $3900.10, from a handful of donors.

Donors used ActBlue to spread donations widely. The top ActBlue donor, optometrist Catherine Kennedy, gave $1314.41 to 18 campaigns and organizations, including three presidential campaigns, seven senate and house campaigns, and a handful of other political committees.

Christopher Huffaker: 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com