Bush used his position and access to major fund raisers in 2000 to drastically whittle down the potential opposition. Not only was contirbution to Bush's campaign expected, but not contributing to someone else was also expected. I suspect that Hillary and Bill will be making a similar case to their party donors to help clear the field if/when she runs. While the nut roots can still chant and donate free from this influence, Lamont showed that the nut roots is good for noise, but not the really big bucks.