Obama blasts shadow fundraising group

[Newsjock]

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

OAKLAND -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama publicly urged his supporters today not to contribute to independent and unregulated groups -- particularly so-called 527 organizations -- that are currently raising money to aid his cause, saying that if backers give directly to his campaign instead, "we'll all be better off.''

The Illinois senator's comments came in response to a Chronicle story published today that detailed an effort by wealthy Bay Area backers to create a 527 group, independent of the campaign, to raise large donations and expand voter registration and turnout for Obama in the February 2008 California presidential primary.

... Asked if he was publicly suggesting that Democrats no longer contribute to such independent organizations, Obama said: "That's what I just did ... We do not think people should be donating to 527s. We would rather have them in involved in our campaign.''

Read more: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/08/BAGCIRF4M85.DTL&tsp=1

[Joanne98]

1. I'm beginning to like Obama. He sure is rocking the boat.

I had the strong feeling last night that he was blowing the whistle on secret Senate talks about striking Pakistan. Did you see Hillary and Biden. If looks could kill.

[Kagemusha]

2. Uh, wha? Where do you get the idea the Senate's opinion matters there?

The President - any President - is still Commander in Chief in the US. Just saying.

[Joanne98]

4. They work together behind the scenes.

[Onlooker]

3. I'll continue to support Moveon.Com

While Obama's idea is a nice one, it seems a little naive. The fact is whether we give or not to 527 groups, the right wing will continue to give.

(And I might add that I like Obama; I can't decide between him and Edwards, with Hillary a very close third.)

[damntexdem]

5. I'll give where and how I damn well please, including ot MoveOn.org.

I may well not wish to donate directly to campaign treasuries under the control of the candidates.

I generally like Obama, but screw his advice on this one.

[hedgehog]

7. I don't think Obama was objecting to MoveOn.com. this was a direct response

to a 527 called Vote Hope
"According to its website, Vote Hope's goal is to "get 500,000 early votes pledged and banked for Obama" leading up to the California Democratic primary "by registering and organizing people to vote by mail, and by organizing early voting in key geographic regions." The website also mentions "educating and mobilizing voters about Obama in many non-traditional ways, including online social networking, concerts, faith-based tours and other cultural events."

http://mediamatters.org/items/200706220008


If Obama didn't denounce this group, he'd be guilty of hypocrisy.

[UrbScotty]

6. Good for you, Senator.

Way to stand for what you believe in.