NATION IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Political Donations to Women on Rise

Groups that raise money for female candidates are reporting that donations have doubled and tripled over the previous election cycle. One such group, Emily’s List, raised $1.5 million for 14 female candidates in 1990; this time, the group said it already has raised $1.25 million and has contributed to 30 female candidates so far. “The (Clarence) Thomas hearings (accounted for) part of the increase,” said Emily’s List communications director Deborah Hicks. Some female candidates have relied heavily on contributions from women. Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-Greenbrae), for example, has raised for her Senate race more than $4.5 million from about 52,000 contributors, about two-thirds women.