In the run-up to the 2006 elections there was a great deal of invective about Jim Pederson's willingness to sink a great deal of his personal money into his Senate campaign, numerous postings in comments about his wanting "to buy the election", etc., etc.,
Apparently "buying elections" is now official republican policy.
The linked articles discusses the ramifications of the difficulties the RNCC is having in raising funds for the 2008 races, where it currently finds itself at a roughly 12.5-1 disadvantage in cash on hand compared to the DNCC. The discrepancy is especially start when compared to the vast advantage in funds the RNCC had is past years, even 2006.
Among those ramifications is Republicans are actively seeking candidates who can "self-finance" their campaigns, without help (or, at least, much help) from the party fund raising institutions.
That lack of funding is a real issue when looking at the 2008 campaign map, where 17 Republicans have already retired or announced plans to not run for re-election next year, with more such announcements on the way. That's a lot of open seats to defend without much money to do it, not to mention some number of incumbent candidates who will find themselves in hotly contested elections, and it won't leave a whole lot, if any, left over to challenge sitting Democratic incumbents, no matter how new or how vulnerable they might seem.
If this guy decides to run, he might want to save his pennies or win the lottery ... or both.
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4 comments:
The only financial support Pederson could rally was from his own wallet. He was blown out by Kyl in an election cycle that wasn't kind to the GOP. He was just a poor candidate that couldn't get the people involved.
Once Republicans prove to the people that they can be frugal with the peoples' money, the support will be there. 2008 will be a challenge, but good candidates won't need to win the lottery to compete.
Speaking of lottery, its up to $155 million. I may have to buy a ticket. If I win, then I'll buy myself an election somewhere...like Jamaica
TR
I tend to agree vis-a-vis Pederson.
It doesn't change the central point - Pederson got ripped as "trying to buy elections" last year. This year Republicans are having trouble raising money for races, and are actively looking to find self-funding candidates. I assume the same labels apply.
I also think Bee is a good candidate, and will raise mor ethan sufficient money ... not that winning the lottery wouldn't help. :)
Jamaica sounds good. So does Mallorca, or Fiji.
the same labels would appply. Pederson spent $10-12 million of his own money.
I could see Romney spending millions, but not really any one else.
I'm not a fan of rich guys buying up votes...unless I win the $155 mill...then it'll be OK.
Fair enough.
Romney has already invest millions. I can see a lot of personal money spent for a Senate race as well, not as high a figue for a Congressional race, although you could still easily be looking at hundreds of thousands up to maybe $2 million.
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