The Hill: RNC's Mehlman to spend $60M, five times Dean’s $12M on midterms

[DeepModem Mom]

Mehlman to spend $60M, five times Dean’s $12M
By Alexander Bolton

The Republican National Committee (RNC) will spend its entire bank account, $60 million or more, helping Republicans try to retain control of Congress in the midterm elections....

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RNC chairman Ken Mehlman has put in place a plan to raise money aggressively throughout the fall and has made clear that he will not hold back any money for the 2008 presidential election.

In total, the RNC plans to spend more than $60 million on targeted federal races, a record for a national party committee in a midterm election, according to a GOP official familiar with their plans. The funds are “targeted for competitive federal races,” the official said, adding that half would pay for get-out-the-vote operations.

Democrats, however, say they are counting on a major boost from their union allies. The AFL-CIO is planning to spend $40 million on get-out-the-vote operations, said Democratic officials....

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One GOP source familiar with Mehlman’s plans said the committee would raise money aggressively through the fall and would probably collect $15 million to add to its account. The RNC had $43.6 million in the bank at the end of July.

The DNC reported $11.3 million in cash on hand at that time....

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/091306/mehlman.html

[warrens]

1. Just to point out

Here in Illinois, our people are collecting a TON of money. I still contribute to various campaigns when I can, but the pleas for money have pretty much stopped. Cash isn't nearly as important as GOTV volunteers and knocking on doors.

[Monkeyman]

4. Yep we are for Leasch next week fot Tammy

[lumberjack_jeff]

2. How much of that was spent on the October surprise?

None, I suppose. That comes out of the secret budget.

[madame defarge]

3. And then those repubs who win will owe the RNC...

...just like Lincoln Chaffey. He's now in debt to the RNC. Who knows what "favors" they'll ask in return. This is an important thing to point out. The repubs buy their votes.

I'm with warrens. We need to all volunteer & help GOTV. It's boots on the ground & words on the phone that will win this one.

[hogwyld]

5. Let the bastards go into debt

It will be the end of the RNC for a generation!

[MichiganVote]

6. Makes sense. Republicans love spending money, any money

[Supersedeas]

7. Swiftboating the Congressional Elections--let the Sliming begin in earnest

from the Family Values Party

[Tiggeroshii]

8. He's copying Dean, but now going a step further

...and spending everything?

They are certainly desperate.

[madfloridian]

9. DNC starts month long GOTV in the 50 States. Sign up now.

BTW, I remember one of the goals Dean had was to make them spend their money on races they had just assumed as safe before. I think it is working.


http://www.democrats.org/a/party/a_50_state_strategy/50_state_turnout/

On October 7th, the Democratic Party kicks off a month-long "Get Out the Vote" drive to push voters to the polls. Election-related events will occur nationwide in the month leading up to the election to assure that registered Democratic voters in all 50 states turnout and vote on Election Day. If you are interested in hosting an event, please contact your local state party or use our online events tool.

[demo dutch]

10. Hope the voters are sick of the campaign spending!

[robcon]

11. These are just projections

They compare what the DNC has now with what the RNC claims they will have within a few weeks. If you add the unions' campaign, and an expectation for DNC donations within a few weeks, the Dems will outspend the Repubs, or at least be on a par.

Beware of partisan math from Repugs... and misleading headlines.