It’s A Race for Money

As the first quarter for presidential hopefuls’ fundraising comes to a close tomorrow at midnight, Democrats hoping for the party nomination are all out to make sure the voting public knows they’re serious.

Calls for action on websites, emails sent to supporters on mailing lists, and telephone calls have been made by the candidates asking for monetary support.
“As we approach March 31, when campaigns have to file their quarterly fund-raising reports, the press and pundits start to obsess over the chase for money,” Senator Barack Obama said in an e-mail appeal that went out to potential donors on Thursday. He added, “I’m asking you to stand up and be counted — will you make a donation now?”
Since states are moving up primaries to gain attention from the hopefuls, the campaigns are forced to spend more money on staff, offices and preparing for huge television advertising budgets.

Just as campaigns have turned to grassroots methods of gaining support, they have also used this strategy to aid in fundraising. By reaching out to donors with smaller budgets, they are able to give many more supporters a chance to donate, and although they may not be able to afford the $2,300 per person private fundraisers, they have proved to be helpful to each of the campaigns.

“This Saturday is our first major test – our first end-of-quarter fundraising deadline is midnight March 31. The pundits will use the number we report to measure our campaign’s commitment to long-term success,” Bill Richardson’s website states. “We need to send a clear message that we won’t back down and have resources for the long haul.”

For more information on donating to your favorite presidential hopeful’s campaign, visit their website. There is an opportunity to donate immediately to help reach first quarter goals, and also an address where you can send a check, which will not count for the initial quarter.


--Lacey Earls