At Face The State we're big fans of databases, government primary documents and open records. One of the best sources for information on political contributions and campaign finance is OpenSecrets.org, the nonpartisan online guide that tracks money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Recently, the site launched a Facebook application that allows users to view top donors and donations to their U.S. Senators and Representatives, targeted by zip code.
Top Colorado donors include employees of the University of Colorado, through which individuals have given $42,712 to Sen. Mark Udall, D-Boulder, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which has contributed $10,000 to Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Adams County. Clicking on one of the donors or the elected official takes a user directly to the OpenSecrets Web site, where more detailed information is available about cash on hand, fundraising totals and comparative statistics with other senators and representatives.
The OpenSecrets data also confirms what many Coloradans already know about newly appointed Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Denver: his campaign coffers are filling up nicely, mostly with cash from out of state. Install the application on your Facebook profile (you ARE on facebook, aren't you?) and see who's giving to your U.S. Representative and Senators.