The Blade's Ohio Trail series

11/3/2005

The Blade examines President Bush s fundraising giants his

Ohio Pioneers and Rangers; tells the tale of how a few men

and women with strategy and money engineered a takeover

at the ballot box more than a decade ago; looks at what motivated John Kerry's Buckeye boosters and what they might have wanted in

return; and examines the influx of money in politics that leaves analysts wondering how Americans can affect policy without cash. These are the stories in The Ohio Trail series:

• Ohio Bush donors richly rewarded (Oct. 30, 1 photo, 2 charts)

• Bush fund-raisers reap millions in contracts, corporate subsidies (Oct. 30)

• Money, morals intermingle in contributions (Oct. 30, 1 photo)

• Nursing home executive, Bush 'Ranger,' keeps low profile (Oct. 31)

• Clothing giant combines apparel with big-money politics (Oct. 31)

• Contributions grease the wheels for bearing maker (Oct. 31)

• Lobbyists hand out donations to influence Republican politics (Oct. 31)

• Money fueled Ohio GOP, now puts future at risk (Oct. 31)

• As political 'Lone Ranger,' tycoon shoots cash at causes (Nov. 1, 1 photo)

• Kerry s campaign fell short among deep-pocket donors (Nov. 1, 1 photo, 2 charts)

• Citizens seek a say without 'pay to play' (Nov. 2, 2 photos, 1 chart)