Dean's $77 gamble

[Larkspur]

Decision to reject public funding could advance campaign finance reform beyond McCain-Feingold
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=15999


<SNIP>
...Dean's decision to forgo matching funds, if successful, could actually move campaign finance reform beyond the moderate changes called for in McCain-Feingold. Dean has woven fundraising into the fabric of his campaign. Instead of fundraising being a necessary adjunct that opens the door to possible abuse, undo influences and time spent away from connecting with voters, Dean's utilization of the Internet has made fundraising a tool that involves the electorate. The byproduct could be increased voter turnout.
<SNIP>

This is the first writer who "get's it" about Dean's campaign and opting out of the matching funds. Finally!

People are more likely to take interest in a campaign that they feel invested in, and that's the beauty of Dean's campaign style.

[qwlauren35]

1. "Gamble" is the Key Word.

As a Dean supporter who voted for him to opt out, I'm regretting it. I think too few of us are prepared to do the necessary work of finding him the big bucks donors he needs to win. Most of us are financially tapped out. And getting thousands of signatures necessary to put him on the ballot has turned out to be VERY difficult. Certainly in my state, we don't seem to have broken 1000 yet. Too many Republicans, too many Edwards supporters, and WAY too many Dean supporters who don't know how to find more.

One can be extremely positive about this if one wishes, but I'm not sure that this gamble will pay off. Heck. This gamble will NOT pay off unless the "establishment Democrats" are willing to dig deep into their pockets and GIVE if the nomination goes to Dean.

[Hep]

2. It's not necessarily about raising $200 mil

It's about being able to continue to raise funds between April and the convention, and being able to spend that money. We don't have to meet Bush's fund raising. We just need the flexibility that is denied by McCain Feingold.

BTW, I was told that Dean is the only one who qualifies for matching funds in the first place. Well, maybe clark. Is that true?

[Capn Sunshine]

3. 2 million people

100 bucks each.

That's not hard and it doesn't involve big bucks donors OR Party regular donors. They can come along if they like, but they are hardly necessary. It's unity of purpose and no one views this as a gamble.


It's rare to encounter any negativity ion our campaign such as yours. What state are you from? We'll send a cheerleading squad your way.

[Hep]

4. Actually, 1,999,997

My wife and I have already pitched in enough for an extra person and will probably give more.

And if I DO quit smoking for Dean, I'll probably hit my max by the end of the primaries!

[newyawker99]

5. Hi qwlauren35!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: