The Hill News

Nearly half of campaign contributions to President Obama's reelection campaign come from small donors giving less than $200 - a far greater proportion than in the 2008 presidential election, and a hopeful sign for the president as he grapples with sagging approval numbers and a troubled economy. 

The number of small donations building toward Obama's $56 million haul to date far exceeds that of Republican rivals, according to the Washington Post.

Campaigns like to maximize the number of donors giving small amounts, both for the political claim to grassroots support that they provide, and because those who give something feel more invested - and are more likely to vote - in a candidate. The campaign can also use supporters' demographic information to target get-out-the-vote campaigns and ask for more money again later in the campaign cycle.

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