Thirty-two people listed as "deceased" have given more than $586,000 to presidential and congressional candidates and committees since 2009, according to a recent analysis by USA Today:
Under federal campaign rules, individuals can make candidates and political committees the beneficiaries of their estates, much in the way they can leave money to favorite charities.
Stefan Passantino, a campaign-finance lawyer in Washington, said bequeathing donations to politicians and parties is an option for people who were active in elections and believe "the best thing I can do with my money is to help make the world a better place."
Federal rules establish some restrictions on political giving from the grave, however. The donations, for instance, must comply with applicable contribution limits. Currently, an individual cannot donate more than $5,200 to a federal candidate during an election cycle and no more than $32,400 to a political party each year.
According to the analysis, the Democratic National Committee has received more than $245,000, the most contributions from deceased givers.
