These seem like ridiculous amounts of money to spend just to put a man in the White House, but Jowers doesn't look at it that way. Because federal law limits donations to individuals (as opposed to special interest groups and corporations), the money now comes from ordinary citizens and in relatively small amounts.

"These amounts of money give you all kinds of emotions," Jowers says. "But I'm excited. Small donors are good. This is democracy at work, and I am excited that so many people feel empowered enough to contribute to the candidate of their choice."

For example, in February, 90 percent of the money Obama raised consisted of online donations of $100 or less, and more than 50 percent of those donations were $25 or less. Most of the money is coming from first-time contributors. Obama is so flush in individual donations that some believe he will be the first candidate from a major party not to accept public funding for the general election.

We're in the midst of a grass-roots movement, if Jowers is any judge of matters, and he is. He is a partner in the Caplin and Drysdale law firm in Washington, D.C., where he specializes in political law. He has provided legal and political advice to state and national political parties and numerous gubernatorial, congressional and presidential candidates, including Mitt Romney. He also co-founded the Campaign Legal Center, which defended the famous McCain-Feingold campaign reform bill against court challenges.

The bill attempted to curtail the donations of corporations, unions and special interest groups, some of whom were throwing millions of dollars to candidates in BOTH parties — surely an indication that they were not donating on principle but trying instead to win political favor.

"I am mostly thrilled with the money that is going into federal campaigns," Jowers says. "Making a political contribution is like putting money in the office March Madness pool — you become invested." Jowers notes that having so many people participating in this presidential race helps reduce the undue influence of big-money special interest groups. "Special interest will always fill the vacuum in our democracy when citizens become apathetic," he says.

Problems remain in the system — there are still loopholes that allow power brokers to get money and influence to candidates — but Jowers believes it's improving, and that it's returning power to the people.

"It's exciting to see so many people energized," he says.

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Doug Robinson's column runs on Tuesdays. Please e-mail drob@desnews.com.