Graham Aides Fret Over Poor Fund Raising

[Freddie Stubbs]

NEW YORK - Democratic presidential candidate Bob Graham is experiencing serious fund-raising problems that have put his campaign in peril, officials close to the Florida senator said Thursday.

Published reports had suggested Graham would raise $4 million to $5 million in the fund-raising quarter that ends Sept. 30, but he will raise less than that, said three officials close to the campaign who spoke on condition of anonymity.

His fund-raising coordinators for cash-rich California and New York quit the campaign in the last week, officials said. One of them has signed on with former Gen. Wesley Clark, who entered the race Sept. 17 as the 10th Democratic candidate.

The Democratic candidates were meeting here for an economic debate. "We will have enough money to compete," Graham spokesman Jamal Simmons said. "The people who left were contract employees whose contracts expired."

more: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/6859565.htm

[CMT]

1. I feel bad for Graham

A good man who may yet serve the party as VP candidate.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

2. I'm surprised Graham hasn't done better

he certainly has the resume to be President.

[revcarol]

3. After he was against the Iraq resolution because

it didn't go far enough, he lost me there. He is unsuitable to be even a VP candidate, IMHO.

But he should stay in as long as the money lasts. Love it when he criticizes Bush for doing nothing against terrorists.

[davidinalameda]

4. he should withdraw

and run for re-election

I hate saying that because I was one of his early supporters on here. He would make a great president but we all know how the race is won today.

[UnapologeticLiberal]

6. Yeah, I agree

Nothing against him, but I think he ought to focus on winning his senate seat, because we can't afford to lose it. I felt the same way about Edwards, and I am disappointed with his decision. But at least Edwards might not have won for re-election anyway...I think Graham probably will have no trouble if he gets out now and focuses on the senate race.

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1090&px=1318480">The bat is finally moving! If it continues at its current pace we could reach $1,200,000 by midnight

[DemDogs]

7. Need him to keep Senate seat.

Edwards decision was right, though. He would win the seat but we need him at the top of the national ticket so Knowles wins in Alaska and so we have a chance to take the South Carolina seat and, and, and. He's the guy we need to win in the South and Midwest. Graham was not moving up; Edwards is.

[w4rma]

5. Sen. Graham is awesome! He's up against some tough competition, tho.

He's easily one of my favorite U.S. Senators. :)

[davhill]

8. What has come of our Democracy?

If fundraising has become the sole criteria for the selection of our leaders, we might as well bend over and declare George Buch, the greatest fund raiser of all time, president for life. There was a time when being the best qualified candidate, like Bob Graham, did not disqualify one from the position. Those who contribute to a campaign seldom do so out of altruistic impulses. Bush has maintained his position by blatently selling our heritage and mortgaging our future. Why do we keep looking for a Democrat who can do the same? For generations the block votes of the Democrats balanced the financial advantages of the Republicans. Now the blocks are smaller and the Republicans richer. Keep Bob Graham in the campaign by supporting him with a small donation, even if you think the money might be better spent on a less qualified but more charismatic candidate. Bob Graham for President