Kerry, Bush crowd mailboxes, both real and cyber, in a push to win votes and funds.

By Paul Barbagallo

The Republican party soon attracted millions of grassroots donors through the mail — by appealing to their conservative instincts on taxes, national security and social issues.

“For a time, wealthy, old money wasn’t the only funding source for the Republican party,” Viguerie figures. “It was the $25 dollar rancher from Wyoming and the $50 dollar small-business person from Texas. It changed the party far more than putting money in the coffers.”