The Wisconsin gubernatorial race remains locked at a virtual dead heat. But a solid lead could turn up after Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic opponent Mary Burke each received million dollar donations days from the election.

According to documents filed with state election administrators, businesswoman and philanthropist Diane Hendricks donated US$1 million to the GOP state party last September. Milwaukee Democrat Lynde Uihlein had done the same.

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Both donors are longtime supporters of their respective parties.

For years, political aspirants were given a cap on the amount they were allowed to receive from donors and other political entities.

But a new ruling enacted by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa in September gave individuals the flexibility to make unlimited contributions to political parties. The parties, in turn, are now given freedom to donate to candidates funds over US$10,000, the maximum limit allowed before the ruling.

So far, conservatives have been benefiting from this ruling more than the liberals.

The GOP has received over US$1.4 million in contributions. Houston entrepreneur Robert Rasmus gave US$200,000, Las Vegas casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson US$650,000 and several US$100,000 from other wealthy supporters.

Democrats, on the other hand, have received some US$360,000 - also no small amount of money - from various backers.

Observers have noted that the new ruling would strengthen favor with political parties as opposed to shady independent groups. And given the parties' stringent disclosure policies, there would be greater transparency, particularly for lump sum donations from mega-donors who seek to turn the tides on the state's election results.

Total campaign expenditure for the gubernatorial race this year is expected to reach as high as US$50 million, up from 2010's US$37 million but still within the US$81 million budget projection in 2012, according to a recent Wisconsin Democracy Campaign report.

Generally-speaking, Walker has trumped Burke in terms of ad spending. On Monday, Burke's camp released a report that showed her fundraising budget down 10 percent.

TagsWisconsin, Scott Walker, Mary Burke, Republican, Democrat, election, Election campaign, Fundraising