McCain Learning Fundraising from Bush Instead of Clinton and Obama
While Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton struggle for the Democratic nomination the NY Times reports Sen. John McCain is preparing for the general election. Part of it includes organizing the division of labor between his campaign and the Republican National Committee, while also filling his financial coffers:
His first order of business, though, will be an intense focus on raising money, with some 20 or 30 events a month. His campaign was nearly doomed last summer by overspending and its failure to raise enough money to keep up, and it has continued to lag behind what Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois have received in contributions. Through Jan. 31, Mr. McCain brought in $55 million, compared with Mrs. Clinton’s $138 million and Mr. Obama’s $141 million. And the Democratic candidates continue to raise money at a record pace.
But now that Mr. McCain, of Arizona, has vanquished his Republican rivals, his campaign hopes to tap some of the big donors who had supported them.
McCain’s campaign is trapped in the 2004 mindset. They need to be building their e-mail lists and thinking of new, creative ways to fundraise online. It’s great getting $1,000 donations, but Obama and Clinton are getting millions a month through small contributions. It will be easier for them to ask for additional funds from those who have only given $50 than those that have given in the four-figures.
The McCain campaign can do two actions immediately. First, they should buy the e-mail lists of fallen GOP opponents. That’s a quick way to get a good list of working addresses of politically-active people they can ask to opt into the McCain list. Second, install a real-time fundraising counter and set a goal (like $20 million in March). The campaign needs to open up a little and let their supporters invent some creative ways of generating funds.
Likely McCain will be at a serious financial disadvantage in the fall. He needs to break the Bush/Cheney fundraising mold if he wants to narrow the gap.
“McCain Uses Breathing Room to Focus on Coffers”
Got a letter from Fred this past week. Even mentions looking for info at website. Right now I only get the single word “success” on white background. Are you aware of the letter or any other particulars?