 Nixon refused to answer further questions about the Fund , and attention turned to Stevenson 's fund , especially as its details became clear . Governor Stevenson 's fund , which proved to total $ 146 @,@ 000 , had been used for such expenditures as Christmas gifts to reporters , dues for private clubs , and to hire an orchestra for a dance his son was hosting . Taking a leaf from Nixon 's book , the Democrats refused to answer questions about the governor 's fund . Both parties were eager to bury the matter , and the story died . 
