Skinner trails in fundraising

[bfealk]

The Detroit News published the following story in the July 15 edition.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060715/POLITICS/607150352/1022

Republican Patricia "Pan" Godchaux has raised $425,000 in her quest to topple seven-term U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills.

Her impressive fundraising includes $264,000 in the latest federal filing quarter, according to newly filed campaign finance documents.

Knollenberg raised $607,889 in the April 1-June 30 quarter, leaving him with $1.4 million to defend his seat against Godchaux.

Godchaux, a former state representative who is a member of the Oakland Schools Board, has $214,000 cash for the Aug. 8 primary. Of her overall contributions, 90 percent has come from individuals in the 9th Congressional District.

"There are a lot of people dissatisfied with Joe and the job he's done," said Godchaux campaign manager Susan Safford.

"We're in this to win, and we feel very positive."

Some political strategists speculate that Godchaux is an attractive candidate to Democrats in the predominantly Republican district.

More at link...

You can reach Deb Price at [phone] or [e-mail].
----------------------------------------
EDIT: COPYRIGHT. PLEASE POST ONLY 4 OR 5
PARAGRAPHS FROM THE COPYRIGHTED NEWS SOURCE
PER DU RULES.

[SharonRB]

1. Pan's been going after Democratic women for money

A lot of them don't realize how important it is to get the seat on the Dem side, even if Pam is "moderate Republican." Nancy needs anything anyone can afford to give her. However, when Pan loses the primary, those votes will come to Nancy, not Joe.

Donate here:

http://www.actblue.com/page/skinnerforthe9th

[bfealk]

2. Or maybe not..

Or maybe the money won't come at all. Dems may just sit out for lack of interest and enthusiasm for the Dem candidate. Pan could pull off an upset too. Then that money that would have come Nancy's way may end up with Pan.

I'm surprised at Nancy's weak fundraising, given the amount of labor endorsements and endorsements of major Democrats.

[SharonRB]

3. We think a lot of people are waiting until after the primary

since she doesn't need money for the primary per se. We think the money will start flowing after that, and if Pan somehow pulls off an upset in the primary, the money will pour in from outside of Michgan -- it will become a very interesting race nationally.

Out in Birmingham today, I had people tell me they were voting for Pan in the primary, but Nancy would have their vote in November even if Pan winds up in the race.

[bfealk]

4. I understand

That is my intention also, to vote for Pan in the primary to at least get rid of Knollenberg, but I am disappointed in Nancy's fundraising totals. Assuming Knollenberg does win, Nancy will need at least $1-2million to be competitive. She's a long way from there.

[weeksbr1]

5. have you contributed yet?

[skipos]

6. Is it me

or are almost all of your posts on DU criticizing/complaining about Skinner?

It's a discussion board so you can do what you want but jeeze, there are other things worth talking about IMO.

[bfealk]

7. If you're not interested...

simply don't post to this discussion.

[skipos]

8. I was just wondering? What is your answer? nt

[SharonRB]

9. Voting for Pan in the primary is a HUGE mistake

She's been the problem with Nancy's fundraising in the first place. She may actually be harder to beat than Knollenberg, as her views on a lot of the issues aren't all that different than Nancy's. We are trying to convince people not to cross over to vote for Pan. There is much more of a clear cut difference between Nancy and Joe and we must take back this seat. Although admittedly Pan would be better than Joe, it's of the utmost importance that we get Nancy in. Voting for Pan is not really to our advantage.

[bfealk]

10. Pan

I happen to disagree. The problem with Nancy's fundraising is Nancy. Her cheerleading style really grates on people, especially women. If Nancy was as strong a candidate as some people seem to think she would be raising more money, regardless. Nancy has some of the strongest endorsements in Michigan, unions, high level politicians, etc. I think there is another reason Nancy's fundraising is so poor.

I'm crossing over to vote for Pan in the primary so we will at least get rid of Joe, and Pan won't have near the money and support of the party that Joe does. The Republicans do not want to lose this seat due to the fact that Joe is the chair of a pretty important committee.

Pan is not the problem with Nancy's fundraising and to say so is ridiculous. Nancy's campaign is about Nancy, not her district.

[JordanLFW]

11. also

Anaylsts look at primary numbers. Granholm, Stabenow, and Skinner are all unopposed but still need support in the primary. Massive primary turnout would send a message.

[pwreid]

22. DaimlerChrysler VP responds to a plea for help from Joe Knollenberg

I've been at Chrysler for over 33 years, and I've never seen anything like this before, Joe must be very nervous...



DC Comm Group
08/04/2006 01:12 PM
To Employees Residing in the Michigan 9th District
cc

Subject: A Message From the Office of John Bozzella

The upcoming midterm elections this November will determine which political party controls the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and set the stage for the 2008 Presidential election. All elections are important, but this year's election could have special significance to us as DaimlerChrysler employees and as citizens.

On Tuesday, August 8 voters in your congressional district can cast their ballots in an important primary election for Congress. I am taking the liberty of writing to you in advance to urge you to vote on August 8 and to consider the record of your current Congressman, Joe Knollenberg, who is standing for re-election and faces a primary opponent.

Representative Joe Knollenberg has been an effective advocate for the 9th Congressional District and has a proven track record on trade, fuel economy and other issues important to DaimlerChrysler and the auto industry. Joe Knollenberg is also a leader in Congress in his key role as the Chairman of the House Transportation Appropriations Committee,which is vital to Southeast Michigan. His Washington and Farmington Hills offices have resolved many problems of our employees and retirees on matters involving visas, passports, adoption papers, Social Security and Medicare. This type of service is invaluable to our company and its employees.

Voting is clearly a personal matter and a privilege we enjoy in this country. Please exercise your right by voting next Tuesday and on November 7.


John T. Bozzella
Vice President
External Affairs and Public Policy ( the Americas)
DaimlerChrysler Corporation

[bfealk]

23. Does Chrysler allow such letters

Phil, I'm surprised that kind of letter is allowed in the corproate environment. Is there anyone that can write a letter supporting Pan that would reach the same people with reasons to support Pan?

[pwreid]

27. This letter crossed a line, apparently VPs can make new rules

I don't live in the 9th District, one of my Republican acquaintances showed this to me. This person was equally appalled.

I didn't find out about this until late in the day, but I was planning on complaining on Monday.

Any information about how unsupportive Joe Knollenburg really is regarding the auto industry would be helpful. (Please reply with anything you have) Thanks.

Maybe a letter to the editor (Oakland Press) would be helpful?

[SharonRB]

24. Unbelievable!

I know the autos and unions are different, but isn't that bad protocol to ask employees to vote a certain way? And who's to say Nancy won't be just as good (in the November election, of course), if not better, on the issues that are important to employees? I assume he was also appealing to employees to vote for him in November, not just in the primary.

[JordanLFW]

25. interesting

My dad is management at GM, and word in those circles is they are disappointed with the GOP and many plan on voting and donating to Dems to PLACE their bets- not just hedge them.

[SharonRB]

26. Hi, Jordan

:hi:

Nice seeing you today.

[Mich Otter]

12. bfealk and his criticisms of Nancy

If what bfealk has for criticisms bothers anyone in here, you ought to go hide from the campaign that is coming up. This is going to get to be as nasty a campaign as the Republican dirty tricks bunch can put together.
His nit-pic criticisms now are just some disappointment for his first choice not being in the campaign. When he gets into the voting booth, bfealk will be supporting Nancy.
Let's keep focused on the big picture.

[bfealk]

13. Thanks, but I can speak for myself

True, I am disappointed that John Ashcraft isn't the Democratic nominee. Also true, I will vote for Nancy Skinner in the general election. However, Nancy's big selling point was her fundraising was so robust. Now, it turns out her staff is blaming Pan Godchaux's being the race for her anemic fundraising efforts. Top candidates across the country have raised over a million dollars by now. Nancy is stuck under $200,000 total and only $78 thousand and some change cash on hand. This is not a prescription for success in this race.

Nancy promised big fundraisers, especially after John Ashcraft graciously stepped aside. The excuse then was that contributors wouldn't contribute until the race was clear. Well, the race cleared a couple months ago and Nancy's fundraising is still anemic, compared to other candidates across the country. Now Nancy is blaming Pan for her lack of fundraising. I wish she'd just take responsibility for her own lack of fundraising, even with the endorsements of every major union in the state and major politicos. This was my fear from the beginning. Even though she is the "star" candidate, she is not pulling her weight and appears to be a weak candidate, which was my fear from the beginning. Nancy promised an Al Franken fundraiser, Barack Obama fundraiser and other stars she said would be attracted to her campaign. So, where are they?

[SharonRB]

14. One big fundraiser has been postponed until later in the summer

and there are several big-name people coming to town later in the summer or in the fall to do fundraisers for her. The next quarter will definitely be better, once the primary is over and everyone knows for sure who the opposition will be.

It is absolutely true that a lot of Democratic women who would have given to Nancy this past quarter gave to Pan. When she's gone and the fundraising events pick up, the money will start coming in more quickly.

[bfealk]

16. I wouldn't assume Pan will lose

How are you so sure Pan will lose to Knollenberg? Have you done any polling yet?

If it were my campaign, I certainly would want as much money as possible as early in the campaign as possible. If Knollenberg does go into the general he will probably have at least $1.5 million for his campaign. Knollenberg spent close to $2M last cycle and the challenger only had $118,000. Having been involved in John Ashcraft's campaign, I know that time is of the essence and assuming the money will come in after Pan is out of the way is, in my opinion, a strategic mistake. I'd be getting the big names in now to put the dollars on the board. Nancy sure as heck will need them.

[SharonRB]

17. We can't be positive, but that is the assumption

And, it certainly wasn't the strategy going in -- waiting until this quarter to get all the money -- but it's the way things turned out -- circumstances beyond the campaign's control. I, of course, as a volunteer, can't really comment too much further as I don't know everything that goes on behind the scenes. I think scheduling some of the big names was an issue last quarter and right now we're working on getting Nancy's name out in the public -- door to door, various events in the district, etc., and that's going very well. Once people know her name, we'll get better turnouts at the big events, I think.

[maddogesq]

18. Sharon, don't waste your precious time typing on the above.

This is just silly. Actually, if Pan were true to her colors, I would like her. However, belieing she has got a chance in the primary is also believing I will be be posting on DU from the International Space Station. And believing she would vote any different than Joe does once in The House is also beliving I have a successful business as the ultimate rock drummer from Farmington Hills.

What we all must realize is that we will never, ever out findraise the Goopers. That being the case, I should relay things I see when I go into work at Nancy's office:

I am stunned by the number of older middle age men an seniors that walk in off the street, writing checks and offering help.

This area is changing, in our favor. In fact, you are talking to someone that grew up here, and I have never seen the demographic shift that I am now witnessing.

Seeing all the very young, college-age people working on her campaign is very encouraging.

Once the primary is over, we will take a look at fundraising without Pan in the picture. Yes, if Pan were to somehow win (with help from turncoats like those that sometimes post here), Nancy probalbly wouldn't have a chance. But it is my belief that after Joe wins the primary, we should be htiting the streets (like I said in LTE last week in the Metro Times), do some better fundraising, and continue hanging Bush on old Joe like a lead weight. That in and of itself might just tip this 50/50 district.

The Nancy bashing posts are getting old. Would you rather David Fink run agian, or would you rahter have Barack Obama come into town for some hammer time? Take your choice...

[SharonRB]

19. Thanks, maddog

I know the area is changing in our favor -- that's why we have a great chance to beat Joe. I also agree that we have problems if Pan pulls this off -- she's our worst nightmare. People may not see much of a difference between her and Nancy and we have to sell the fact that we need the seat and that she's still a Republican. She won't help us with chairmanships, subpoena power and all the rest of it. Dems can't be the ones to help her beat Joe on the 8th!

Yes, I love seeing all the high school and college students helping out on the campaign. It's very refreshing.

[SharonRB]

15. Hi, Mich Otter

:hi:

Haven't seen you around in ages. Hope everything is okay and hope you can make it to the meetup on August 5.

[notadmblnd]

20. her strategy is to get Dems to support her in the primary

on the grounds she is more moderate than her opponent Knollenberg. She'll be speaking to my POL SCI class this Thursday. Anyone have any questions they want me to ask her?

on edit: I also wanted to add that her reasoning is that in the last 50+ years, this district has not elected a Democrat and Nancy Skinner doesn't stand a snowballs chance in hell of winning it. In other words she is saying..... we're big fat losers anyway so we might as well vote for her.

[bfealk]

21. Godchaux getting press

Another article today in the Oakland Press on the front page no less.

http://tinyurl.com/l5fft

Looks like the Republican primary is getting all the press. Not even a mention of Nancy in the race. More positive press about Nancy sure could help.