Texting Obama? Campaign now accepting donations via text message

Both Obama and rival Mitt Romney as are accepting text contributions as a way to tap small-dollar donors. The Federal Election Commission has given the practice a green light.

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Carolyn Kaster/AP
President Barack Obama walks to greet people waiting for him on the tarmac as he arrives on Air Force One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, on Aug. 22, in New York.

President Barack Obama's campaign is taking donations via text message.

Both Obama and rival Mitt Romney as are accepting text contributions as a way to tap small-dollar donors. The Federal Election Commission has given the practice a green light.

To give to Obama, mobile users on most cell carriers can text "GIVE" to 62262 and give up to $50, and the charge will appear on the user's phone bill.

Campaign manager Jim Messina says text donations will help the campaign engage more grassroots supporters "who want to play a role by donating whatever they can afford to the campaign."

Supporters can contribute a maximum of $200 via text per election cycle.

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