How Fun is Fundraising?

Post #61

For most political candidates (including me), raising money is the least favorite part of the job.  It takes time and can entail awkward conversations with friends and family.  I would much rather be out talking to voters, attending events, and working with our volunteers.  But until there’s public financing (an idea I have long supported), raising money will be a necessity for candidates--at least candidates like me who aren’t rich enough to fund our own campaigns.  

This Sunday is my big dinner and concert featuring John Flynn.  It will be held at Growlers brew pub in Olde Towne Gaithersburg and is sure to be a terrific evening of music, food, and politics.  Despite the busy beach/wedding/graduation party weekend, we are expecting to have a very successful event.  Part of that is due to our “dialing for dollars.” 

For countless hours, I (and some of my terrific volunteers) have been on the phone.  We have been calling supporters who have already donated as well as friends and colleagues who have not yet joined our campaign.

In these challenging times, many people can’t afford to give what they might have in the past.  For some inexplicable reason, they are sometimes apologetic about that!  Of course, from both a practical and principled viewpoint, contributions of any size are valuable.  Not only is a donation of, say, $10 more than we had before, but it also broadens the donor base, making it that much less necessary to rely on just a few big givers.  That expands our base of grass roots support and is better for the idea of participatory democracy.

When I was first ran for the House of Delegates, I raised about $50,000 for my campaign.  Most of that was from individual small donors.  One supporter I called initially declined to make a contribution.  He was feeling cynical about the undue influence of big money in politics.  I responded that if I was unable to get my supporters to donate $25, $50, or $100 (or more!), it would be likely that I would have to become like many other candidates and rely on large special interests in order to communicate with my prospective constituents.  He called me back a few minutes later.  After reflection, he agreed with my argument and decided to send $100.

My “Clean Seventeen” pledge of a voluntary cap at 50% of the legal contribution limit means that I have to work harder to raise the money I need to communicate effectively with the voters of the 17th District.  But it’s worth it, to be sure that no single voice or sector speaks too loudly.

Now, I must get back to my phone calling!  Please try to join us this Sunday at Growlers.  We want as many of my friends and supporters there as possible, so if the ticket price seems daunting in these tough economic times, just let me know. 

     I’d also love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  What do you think about election year fundraising?  Have you ever donated to one of your preferred candidates?   Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#61) you're addressing.

 Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.