The influx of small donors this election cycle has overshadowed the increase of another class of political donors, those donating more than $25,000. Due to some fine print and loopholes in campaign finance law, political donors are able to far exceed the $4,600 limit to candidates.

This cycle has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people giving to joint fundraising committees benefiting both party and candidate. In fact, the these joint committees have raised more than four times the amount of money in 2008 than in 2004, $300 million to $69 million. McCain supporters can give up to $70,100 to a joint committee benefiting McCain, the Republican National Committee, and state parties. An Obama supporter can give a total of $33,100 to a committee benefiting his campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Financial industry giants, hedge fund managers, realtors and energy executives have all been donating checks higher than the average American's salary to Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

While this giving may be legal, a donor being able to give such a large amount of money to essentially one candidate undercuts legislation that aimed to decrease the access and influence of campaign contributors on candidates in this country.

"This is suberting the whole notion of candidate contribution limits," said Steve Weissman, associate director for policy at the Campaign Finance Institute.

According to the Times, "Campaign finance watchdogs call it a worrisome trend, saying the heavy emphasis on such arrangements brings candidates one step further into the embrace of major donors."

I doubt it's just campaign finance watchdogs that find this worrisome, however.