Politicians shy away from bitcoin contributions

WASHINGTON – Bitcoin hasn't yet become the currency of choice in federal political campaigns.

Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., appears to be the only House member or candidate who has accepted the computer-generated currency since federal regulators first approved its use as political donations in early May, a USA TODAY analysis of new campaign reports show.

Polis, an enthusiastic bitcoin backer, collected nearly $3,671 worth of bitcoin, the review of April-through-June reports shows.

The Libertarian National Committee raised a little more than $2,300 in the currency.

It's not clear whether any Senate candidates have accepted bitcoin. Most senators file paper versions of their campaign-finance reports, and it takes weeks for detailed data about their fundraising to become available electronically.

Bitcoin operates independently of governments and banks, and its value fluctuates with supply and demand.