- Share This Post
- submit
- 0
-
Sparkle (0)
In politics, money talks, but online fundraising has really helped close the money gap between men and women. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, women are the majority of low-dollar donors to Obama- in the $200-499 level. In this post, I present some ways to think about your political giving strategy.
Because men usually have more money than women, they give larger amounts to political campaigns and causes. For example, according to USA Today, “Women account for 59 out of more than 500 top fundraisers in Republican John McCain's campaign. Democrat Barack Obama has 148 female fundraisers out of more than 500.” But these are bundlers, big money donors. Bundlers enlist friends, family, and colleagues to contribute the maximum amount to a candidate in order to deliver a large “bundle” of cash to a candidate, often in the millions. Most of us aren’t bundlers, but this doesn’t mean our money doesn’t count: it sure did for Obama, to the tune of $28 million online in January alone (Dean raised $40 million in the whole primary cycle, back in 2003-4). In low-dollar donations (which the FEC considers less than $200), women have power.
During the primary cycle, women made half of the donations to Obama and Hillary (a big first). I don’t have figures for McCain. So how do you get the most bang for your buck when making political and advocacy donations? If you only have $50, do you give to Obama or your Congressional candidate? An environmental or health care PAC or the candidate? I asked some politically savvy women, and here’s what they said. I’m going to apologize in advance: I’m a Democrat, and this piece focuses on Democrats. But most principles apply to the other side too.
Local, Congressional or Presidential?
Giving to the presidential candidate of your choice is exciting and allows you to become involved in a new community. When you give, you often get invited to events and such that non-donors don’t. And even if you think Obama and McCain are awash in cash and don't need yours, trust me, every little bit does help. During the 2004 race, I would sit in front of a screen and hit refresh every minute- I loved the donor who’d put us over the top of our goal at the end of a long day, even if it was only by $25. An especially good time to give is at the end of the fundraising quarter or during a special fundraising drive like a match campaign when every dollar you give is matched- you’ll no doubt get hyperbolic emails from the campaign announcing such events, so keep an eye out.
But giving to your Congressional or Senate candidate, or even your State Rep or Senator has a different kind of meaning. Consultant Tracy Russo, who was John Edwards Online Communications Director, says, “I think regardless of the amount you have to give, you get the most bang for your buck when you give early in the process. It helps the candidate you are supporting get the footing they need to make their race a success.”
Myrna the Minx/aka Tracy Viselli in Nevada says,
“This election cycle, the Obama campaign seems really committed to doing what they can to help candidates up and down the ticket--that's been my experience in Nevada anyway.
However, I have been urging people to contribute to women candidates whose policies match their own issue positions at the local and state level, because we have a historic number of Democratic women running for office in our state and I want to see them all elected. While the national level elections are important, our state budget, infrastructure, and social services are in such a dire state, that our state and local elections are even more important. I also stress that small amounts can make a big difference--national fundraising entities will step in and help out candidates if they have proven fundraising ability. Emily's List and the DCCC Red to Blue program are good examples of this in action. They are helping two of our congressional candidates (Jill Derby and Dina Titus)”.
Nevada could have an all-female Congressional delegation come November!
Personally, I really like to support women candidates, no matter where they are. Joanne Bamberger relayed this comment from Madeline Kunin, Vermont’s former Governor, from Kunin’s chat at firedoglake last week. Kunin replied,
"Fund raising can be a problem. The biggest obstacle for
