Fundraisers take a gamble on lotteries

Political campaigns are gambling on a new fundraising strategy: the lottery. Sweepstakes-style pitches, which have this month come from President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney among others, offer supporters a shot at winning face time with the candidates.

But the contests’ fine print reveal guidelines that favor some donors over others and disqualify others altogether, reflecting just how eager politicians are to woo key voting blocs.