Within a week of attending a coffee, seven contributors gave $100,000 each or more to the Democrats.

In the first year of the campaign, 117 contributors gave $3,630.88.

Sixteen contributors have given at least $100,000 since 1985.

Many contributors, of course, give money precisely because they are seeking such access.

In all, 3,281 contributors have given to the fund.

Previously, Illinois had no regulations limiting the amount a contributor could give to a campaign committee.

The first campaign lasted nine days, and 117 contributors gave $3,630.88.

With the economy still weak, some corporate and individual contributors who gave in the last general election may not give this time.

"The contributors would give what they wanted, and it would always be less than we needed."

Of course, most contributors gave a lot more than $25.