Michael G. Franc of the Heritage Foundation writes in National Review that the traditional support base for the two parties appears to be inverting — while Democrats continue to find their donors, no surprise, among the attorneys, media and universities, the corporate CEOs and Wall Street bankers are donating leftward these days. And Republicans?

In this upside-down campaign season when populist GOP campaigners like John McCain and Mike Huckabee surprised the pundits with their primary victories or, in the case of Ron Paul, their fundraising prowess, it almost makes sense that the party of the country club set has been winning the fundraising race among the common man. That?s right. The white-shirt/red-tie brigade of Republican presidential aspirants holds a nearly three-to-one edge among janitors, custodians, leaners, sanitation workers, factory workers, truckers, bus drivers, barbers, security guards, and secretaries. While Democrats command the financial loyalty of architects, Republicans successfully woo contributions from the skilled craftsmen who turn their blueprints into reality ? specifically, contractors, hardhats, plumbers, stonemasons, electricians, carpenters mechanics, and roofers. This trend extends to the saloons, where the Democrats carry the bartenders and the Republicans the waitresses. The GOP field even secures more financial support from teamsters, steelworkers, bricklayers, and autoworkers.

Franc says this will drive policy, and is already showing up in the Democrats’ Congressional actions — offering more goodies to appeal to the middle- and upper income voters, like mortage relief for homes costing half a million, health insurance for middle-class children, and more student aid for college.
 
Oh, and how do “unemployed” people manage to donate over $11 million to Democratic candidates? I’m wondering.