I need advice on fundraising in DC this weekend

[AWD]

First, let me preface this by stating that I am now a politician, so I have to think of fundraising as often as possible.

I'm going to DC this Saturday for the protest. Thousands and thousands of people with the same thoughts as I have about the war in Iraq. A great group of people to reach out to.

But how do I go about this? I could pick up a few key contributions while I'm down there, but I don't want to go about it in the wrong way.

Any advice or thoughts????

[veganwitch]

1. tell them that you are running

what are you running for again (sorry im a butthead)

make sure you have some credentials. most likely someone will throw in a few bucks.

[AWD]

2. US House of Representatives

And no, you're not a butthead.

[demnan]

3. Bring some campaign materials

with your website displayed and hand them out, also bumperstickers and signs. When people get home they'll send you a few bucks, maybe put the stickers on their car if they're from your district.

However, I think most of your campaigning will be done at home in your district. But you seem to be doing that just fine.

As far as high profile political people at the rally - don't count on it.

[underpants]

4. Take a plastic bucket with you

On it have your name, your webiste, what you are running for, etc.

The Answer.org group passed around buckets at the protest last October so it could work.

My advice would be to start at the front of the march and walk back into it with a sign stating that you are running for congress. Otherwise you will have to walk faster than everyone else or you will be in the same group of people who are probably only going to give once, it that.

If there are speeches being made roam through the crowd.

That would be my advice.

[AWD]

5. Excellent....

Thanks!

[eyesroll]

6. The one problem with that is the limit on anonymous contributions

House candidates can only accept $50 in anyonymous contributions (cash) from a single source -- or $100 in cash from any one declared source. "Passing the hat" (or bucket) messes up recordkeeping.

Edited because I re-read what Underpants said. If you're walking with the bucket, and not just passing it around (which, I guess, would make sense since how would you be able to get it back?), you'd be able to take a clipboard with you and get names. Duh.

[AWD]

7. Only if....

....done by me.

I can legally have volunteers pass the hat and then donate all the cash to me in their own names.

And at least 2 of my staff is attending with me.