Affordable fundraisers! Time for a change

[LiberalEsto]

I'm getting so tired of getting invitations to fancy fundraisers for Rep. Chris Van Hollen and other Maryland Democrats, etc. that cost $75 to $250 or even more. I can't afford those on our budget, so I never go.

Democrats should keep in mind that we are NOT the party of the filthy rich. Bringing average people into party events and getting them involved is more important than collecting huge admission fees, in my opinion.

If we want to be the party of the middle class, we should remember that the middle class is being squeezed in all directions.

Just once, I'd like to see Van Hollen and the others throw a $20-a-head event for those of us who aren't wealthy residents of Potomac and Chevy Chase.

[DaveinMD]

1. they throw these types of events

I've gone to them. These usually occur during the summertime. But remember, campaigns cost money so these big dollar events are necessary.

[cap]

2. yes, but it is the wrong kind of money...

I'd like the democrats go into retail politics even bigger....
Get everyone, I mean, everyone to throw in $20.

[DaveinMD]

3. they go after all kinds of money

Don't tell me that the Democrats in Montgomery County aren't good Democrats because they have lots of money. Having money isn't evil. Not being charitible with your money is what is evil.

[nickshepDEM]

4. Doug Duncan has a $20 BBQ comming up. eom

[Frances]

5. I have a suggestion that doesn't cost any money

Call Van Hollen's office (or whichever politician you are interested in) and say you'd like to volunteer (for when it's convenient for you). That's what I did when Van Hollen ran the first time. I liked sitting around a table with other like minded people stuffing envelopes with political material. I also went with other people door to door passing out lit. Anyway, as a volunteer, you will find out about less costly events first hand.

[LiberalEsto]

6. I volunteered a LOT of hours for Chris' s first campaign,

doing phone banking and more. That was a real grassroots effort.

I didn't volunteer for him this past election because a) I was more concerned about getting Kerry elected and b) I got the impression, from the invites to pricey fundraisers, that all Chris cared about were his wealthy constituents.

As much as the Democrats need big donors, they've got to remember that they need the votes and support of the average people too.

[Frances]

8. I am sorry you got that feeling

But then I am the kind of person who is much happier actually doing something. I HATE making small talk with other people, even Democrats.

And I do understand the need for Dems to raise money. Right now the Repub National Committee has 4 times as much money on hand as the Dems. And you can be sure they will be running ads that lie about Chris and every other Dem. The Dems have to answer those ads (look at what the Swift Boat Liars did to Kerry) and that takes money.

[LocalDem]

7. It's TOUGH

I've been active in throwing fundraisers and raising money, and it is brutally difficult to raise money with lower "ask" levels. If you can throw a dinner party for 30 people at $1K / head, you can raise $30K with little overhead and not tons of effort. To do that at $50 per guest, you are now looking at trying to find 600 paying guests just to hit the same number. That takes a lot more organizing and is just altogether harder.

The one bit of good news is that Dems can win without raising as much cash because they often have a broader base of appeal.

I fully understand your point, but as someone who has tried to help make Dems competitive financially, I also understand why campaigns sometimes focus on the high-dollar events. That's not good for democracy but it also helps reduce the amount of time devoted to fundraising.

[rndmprsn]

9. agreed...if they made it $20 i woud go to alot more...

but $75 i just can't handle...sorry.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. I hope fundraising in Maryland follows Dean's lead

Using the internet. I agree with an earlier poster that is simply waaaaaaay more efficient to get the 30 poeple at a $1K per head than a whole bunch of $50 people. The internet allowed Dean (and Clark, for that matter) to get a boatload of money in small amounts.

But there have to be events for the small money sponsors, too. Just because you can't afford the high roller dinners doesn't mean you should be cut off from rubbing shoulders with the candidate.

[LocalDem]

11. Internet fundraising

is incredible. I think it is actually the first time in U.S. history, or possible world history, wherein campaign contributions has actually been part of the democratic process. Dean's campaign showed that popular support could convert into cash, rather than vice versa as had always been the case. With low transaction cost internet contributions, anyone can become financially viable with enough popular support.

That said, a lot of the time candidates won't have the national platform that Dean had through which to gather millions of small donations. That's a main idea of the site I have recently started, http://www.dembench.org, which would help channel netroots supporters across the world (such as DUers) into local campaigns where we can help good young progressives started in politics.

[DaveinMD]

12. every summer

there are scores of such events. Here is a sampling.

Jamaica Me Crazy! Birthday and Fundraiser Event for Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam This event is a fish-fry which starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM. The cost is $35.00 for adults, $37.00 at the Door and $10.00 for children...The Contacts for this event are Helen Hutchinson at [phone] and Millicent McLeod at [phone]

Kweisi Mfume will Speak at District 20 Democratic Breakfast Club Kweisi Mfume will speak before the District 20 Democratic Breakfast Club on Sunday, June 5, 2005 at 11:00 AM. at Los Arrieros Restaurant, 7926 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. RSVP Bob Bernard AT 301-438-3413 BY May 27, 2005. Brunch is Served Price $8.00 Per Person. more...

Kent County Democrats Kennedy-King Reception with Congressman Ben Cardin Join the Kent County Democratic Club for the Kennedy King Reception, with Special Guest Congressman Benjamin L. Cardin on June 17, 2005 at The Black Eyed Susan restaurant in Chestertown. Cocktail and heavy hors d’ oeuvres will be from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.. Tickets are $25.00 per person, advance purchase is recommended. For more information, contact Bill Parks, President at: [e-mail] or John Caputo at: 410-810-9023 or [e-mail] more...

More can be found at www.mddems.org