Dean Fundraising Sets Party Record

[Khephra]

Dean Fundraising Sets Party Record
Bush Campaign Announces $130 Million Fundraising Total for 2003

By Thomas B. Edsall
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 7, 2004; 12:00 PM


Howard Dean has shattered all Democratic presidential fundraising records, but he will have to quadruple the rate at which he is collecting money to achieve his goal of matching President Bush dollar for dollar during the primary season.

In the second half of 2003, the former Vermont governor raised $5 million a month, far more than any previous Democratic contender, including Bill Clinton.

But, if Dean, the leader in most Democratic polls, is to equal Bush's fundraising target during the primary season -- $170 million to $200 million -- he will have to raise $20 million to $26 million every month before the Democratic convention opens July 26.

Bush's campaign today announced that it raised about $130 million in 2003. Dean raised $41 million by Dec. 31.

more...................................

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61843-2004Jan7.html

[WI_DEM]

1. tremendous

Bush will easily out spend the democrats but at least if Dean is nominated he will not have his hands tied behind his back like the others would (unless it is Kerry).

[xultar]

2. Awesome, Contratulations! n/t

[DakotaDemocrat]

3. Congratulations...

...to all Dean supporters - especially those who gave and asked people to give. When money is involved, congrats are well deserved.

Just for that, I have to go to Clark04.com to contribute. We'll catch ya!

[T Roosevelt]

4. Of course it's like comparing apples to oranges

Dean is one of NINE candidates raising money - shithead is one of ONE. Wonder what the totals are for 9 vs 1...

[JNelson6563]

5. Not to mention

many are holding back until there is a nominee.

:toast:

Julie

[Gin]

6. I helped...and will continue...I feel like my small donations...helped in

a big way...and it feels good.

[damnraddem]

11. And Dean is raising money from real people -- as are other Dems.

Dubya is raising bribes from the companies and the super rich -- a amll cut of the money he sent them via tax cuts.

[Insurance_Analyst]

7. I think the nominee will see the cash roll in the day after the primary

I am planning to give $100 to the nominee.

I am for Clark, but whoever gets the nomination will get $100 from me the day after the primary.

2.5 million Democrats x $100 = $250 million HARD

[dolstein]

12. Not unless the nominee is Dean or Kerry

Dean and Kerry are the only candidates who have opted out of federal matching funds. If any other candidate were to win the nomination, odds are that they will have hit all the spending caps by then, which means the money won't roll in until the convention. While I'm no fan of either Dean or Kerry, the ability to continue raising and spending money during the months leading up to the convention is a big argument in their favor. If Clark wins the nomination, he'll have to depend heavily on free media and spending from third party groups -- like the group George Soros is heading.

[progressivebydesign]

17. You're a class act.

Nice to see such clear thinking. I think your plan is a good one. I hope others see your graciousness and respond in kind. :)

[0rganism]

8. Hmm, Democrats don't always have to play centerfield to get donations

Guess that puts the DLC in a tough spot.

Good Job, Mr. Dean. You've tapped into the artery of the teeming masses. Too bad it isn't a bit richer, but we've been hemmorhaging money out the corporate colon lately.

[Insurance_Analyst]

10. I still think it will be hard for Dean to win with his position on taxes

I wish he would moderate on that issue. I think all of this hooey about the Saddam capture not making us safer or bin Laden given the presumption of innocence won't really resonate adversely all that significantly with the center of the electorate.

However, raising taxes on those that have already had their local taxes, wages, and/or benefits slashed is political suicide in my opinion. Kerry has been attacking Dean effectively on this issue of late. I have always thought the tax issue is Dean's Achille's heal.

Now, I know Dean people will attack me saying that the raising of local taxes is exactly the way that Dean will be able to counter the tax and spend label. However, please remember that some people would prefer to pay higher local taxes and less federal tax. It's more regressive probably, but some people may feel that they have greater say about how their local taxes are spent as oppposed to how Washington spends theire money. How will Dean sway those voters?

[creativelcro]

13. 35 GIs injured in Iraq today. Dean is right. Not safer.

[0rganism]

18. Dean has to educate some of the electorate: tax cuts = service cuts

Some people are pretty dim about this, think they can have something for nothing. Well, eventually the bill comes due.

Dean understands this much.

Personally, I'm all for dropping federal income tax entirely for anyone who makes median wage or less -- it's around 5% of the take, anyhow. That amount can be easily recouped by raising the top marginal rate.

[Foehammer]

9. I'd like to give some money..

.. but I need a job first. :(

[llmart]

14. I donated

twice to Dr. Dean. First time in my life, but what impresses me is that these are mostly small donations from grassroots people, not large corporations or special interest groups who will want favors later. I've pledge to give another $100 but will donate after the nomination is decided. I really don't have that much to give either, but it's important this time around. Even $5 or $10 helps.

[Sagan]

15. I've got $200 earmarked for the nominee

And every person who donates is a vote locked in.

[pacifictiger]

16. Dean might have less than $$ Bush

but he knows how to get more bang for the buck