Mr. Brenner, 34, said he started the unusual fund-raising drive in December to appeal to "civic-minded people who care from the heart about the city."

He said he wanted to become a member because he thought it would be a nice place to socialize with other civic-minded people.

The question then becomes whether these newly civic-minded people would vote for General Powell and other Republicans - or split their tickets.

That breaks the spirit of civic-minded people.

Mr. Raiser, the committee chairman, said the group consisted more of "good government types," civic-minded people who had become involved in hopes of changing things.

"If it wasn't for civic-minded people like them, we wouldn't have made a dent," said Officer Stevens.

"That is the story here, that civic-minded people with money in their pocket are willing to support history."

They are run by commissioners and boards who are good, civic-minded people but who don't have the necessary financial expertise.

Good and honest people live in my neighborhood, civic-minded people, who work hard, pay taxes and love this city.

"We try to be civic-minded people, and we think it's important for children to actually watch their parents vote," Dr. Moltz said.