Half of all Americans believe it takes a contribution of at least $50,000 to influence a Congressman or Governor. That includes 27% who believe the price of influence begins with at least $100,000.

A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 24% believe influence can be obtained with a $1,000 or $10,000 contribution. Twenty-six percent (26%) are not sure.

The survey also found that just 11% believe that they could get their Congressman to change his or her position on an issue for a $1,000 contribution.

There was little difference of opinion on these questions across a wide variety of demographic and political lines. Twenty-five percent (25%) of Republicans believe it takes at least $100,000 to influence a Congressman or Governor. That view is shared by 27% of Democrats and 28% of those not affiliated with either major party.

Twenty-three percent (23%) of Americans favor public funding of political campaigns. Fifty-six percent (56%) are opposed.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Americans rate the campaign finance issue as somewhat or very important. That includes just 33% who say the issue is "very" important. Those figures are well below the importance of issues such as Iraq, national security, health care, and the economy.

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