Big-Bucks Nader Mocks 'Liberal Intelligentsia,' Goes on Taxpayers' Dole

Democrats keep insisting that no one supports spoiler presidential candidate Ralph Nader, but he is far ahead of the money-raising pace he set four years ago. In fact, he now gets to go on the public dole.

The self-styled independent, who has admitted he'll collaborate with Sen. John Kerry against President Bush, has raised about $600,000 in the two months since he launched his candidacy, mostly over the Internet, his campaign announced today. In 2000 he had socked away only $198,000 by this date.

In papers filed with Federal Election Commission, Nader said roughly 60 percent of that amount had been donated over the Internet.

"To receive matching funds, a candidate must raise at least $5,000 in 20 states in donations of $250 or less. Nader has collected more than $5,000 from 23 different states. About 91 percent of his donations have been under $100," the Associated Press reported today.

Nader crowed: "Unlike the major-party candidates we are not dialing for corporate dollars. We are seeking a broad base of support among the people."

'Fear of the Liberal Intelligentsia'

His spokesman Kevin Zeese said: "We're doing better than last time despite the fear of the liberal intelligentsia. And we're starting to establish ourselves as the only clear anti-war campaign."

Nader's immediate challenge is to qualify for the ballot in the 50 states. Zeese predicted the campaign would bag a dozen "easy" states in the next few weeks.

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