Romney, Obama Hunt for Small Donors

Looking to leverage lots of little guys into a big win

Just $5. Or $10.

That's all Barack Obama and Mitt Romney want from you today, knowing full well that wresting that paltry sum from your wallet could convert you into a larger-dollar donor, likely voter and potential swing-state volunteer, offering up your time and labor for nothing.

Hence both candidates' relentless late-in-the-game plays for small-dollar donations, blasting out incessant emails, staging nonstop meet-the-candidate contests and peppering their campaign advertisements with pitches to contribute $10 via text message.