DNC going into the 2006 elections with less cash on hand !

[wisteria]

the Democratic National Committee had $5.5 million in the bank at the end of 2005, compared to the Republican National Committee's $35 million, after the DNC spent heavily to win the Virginia and New Jersey governorships. The RNC points out to First Read that this is their largest cash-on-hand lead over the DNC in over a decade.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3626796/
This appears near the very end of the piece.

This is not a bash on Dean! I am wondering if these figures are actually accurate and does anyone know of a link that compares the parties donations.

I am now going to suggest that we help Gov. Dean and our party out and donate to the DNC at,
http://www.democrats.org/

[marmar]

1. From everything I've heard, they've set fundraising records...

This is news to me.

[mcscajun]

5. From the DNC Website, the party did indeed break a record...

...for an off-year election. Nothing on the same page about what was spent in the last election, though.

"Last year, the DNC set a new off-year record by raising more than $51 million in 2005 – a 20% increase over 2003. The DNC's online fundraising has also recently exceeded fundraising expectations. Last November, the DNC collected more than $1 million over the Internet - also an off-year record."

On the flip side, I heard our new US Senator Bob Menendez speak recently; unlike our previous Senator Jon Corzine, now our state's Governor, Senator Menendez cannot pay for his own election campaign and will need to raise $20 million dollars. That's a big chunk of cash, balanced against the off-year dollars raised in 2005. It's anyone's guess what the DNC spent last year, but they're going to have to spend a whole lot more on the 2006 elections.

The party can use every dime/dollar we can send.

[rocktivity]

30. Menendez needs twenty million?

I think there are a million of us who can afford to donate at least twenty dollars, even in these economic times. Done.

:headbang:
rocknation

[MrModerate]

2. It is a little concerning . . .

However, let's look at how they've SPENT the money that has been raised -- to revitalize local dem organizations in all 50 states. This is exactly what Dean said he'd do when he was running for chair. And the lack of robust local organizations has killed us in the past. Remember, ALL politics is local (except of course, when it isn't).

So, let's give a little more.

[OKthatsIT]

37. No way...first filibuster, then we'll talk money!!!

[mmonk]

38. I agree on some level.

Contribute to candidates but not the party apparatus if they won't defend the constitution. I don't want any of my money going to ANY democrat that won't stand up and fight for it.

[madfloridian]

3. They are pretty accurate figures, but don't emphasize investment in states

Dean just hired back a big donor person because of pressure from the rest of the party.

He had a dream of one million donating 20 a month...to give 20 million operating capital. But there are only about 30,000 monthly donors so far.

We can do a lot better than that.

[wisteria]

7. I agree, I'm a monthly donor and it makes me feel good that it

is being used in the grassroots efforts. We do need others to come on board. It's painless to donate on a monthly basis and it doesn't have to be a lot of money.

[ptolle]

10. exactly

First I'd question the story pretty closely. Then I'd think about how ultimately it doesn't matter as much, IMO, how much money you have as how well( effectively/efficiently) you spend what you've got and I appreciate Governor Dean's strategy of building the party structure from the bottom up including the donor structure.MSNBC is no friend of progressives and progressive causes.

[mzmolly]

19. MF, we signed up for a Democracy bond an the DNC only took ONE

draw?

I emailed a while back and haven't heard, but I wonder how many others are having such an issue?

I recently signed up AGAIN, in the hopes that it will work this time.

[madfloridian]

34. There is a phone # to call about donations....

I was worried about ours not being taken out, but then it started the next month. If it started and then stopped, maybe it was taken as a one time donation instead of monthly.

Main Phone Number:

202-863-8000
(For questions about contributions, please call 877-336-7200)

[WildEyedLiberal]

32. That's a pretty low number... maybe they need to advertise the bonds more?

If I weren't a poor college student I would do it too... unfortunately in the Bu$h economy, there probably aren't a million average Dems who can spare 20 bucks a month. x( More reason to take this country back.

[Rose Siding]

4. You'll find a much fuller picture of that here-

in fdl's post about that article. Scroll down to "Here We Go...Again" - It's worth it (I'd link right to that post, but something seems to be messing up the archive link)

Here's a little snip>
So, let's put all of this into context, shall we? The DC establishment Dem party bigwigs are peeved that Dean has been working hardest at state party/local fundraising -- you know, where it can actually do some serious good -- Because it cuts into their cocktail weenie events. And they are griping to the press about it, helping along the Mehlman fax machine journalism storyline, because it's about them and not the good of the party. Nice.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, state party chairs actually have cash in their coffers due to Dean's work which is not only new, its more effective. The story is not that Democrats have no money -- because, frankly, the DNC is still doing better this year than Terry McCaullife's presidential election fundraising numbers, according to Kos. The story really is how much better the state party establishment is doing.

And the fact that Dems have actually worked on state party strengthening, after years and years of neglect, is big news. When you add in fundraising number changes from state party work along with the DNC's increases, you get a much broader picture. But the WaPo fails to do this...again. But there is one thing they don't fail to do -- kiss Mehlman's ass.
....
Do they talk about the fact that Dean has been to all 50 states and done substantial party fundraising for state coffers? Or that state party chairs love Dean for doing this -- after years of being ignored by the beltway establishment? Oh sure -- they get a whole sentence. "The Democrats -- led by DNC Chairman Howard Dean -- spent considerable resources in 2005 on resuscitating state parties and now have operatives on the ground in all 50 states." Nothing like portraying the Democratic party as being on life support and in need of oxygen while the GOP is a well-oiled machine (Of course, no mention that's it's been built on a foundation of corruption or Abramoff and his ilk or anything. Nope.)

Oh, and a quote from Dean or someone else from the DNC? Nonexistent. But you knew that without even looking at the article, didn't you?

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_01_22_firedoglake_archive.html#113794207979880924

[mcscajun]

6. State party chairs may have money, but county chairs don't.

Some are struggling to keep their HQs open and functioning, particularly in "red" counties. It's an uphill battle to turn "red" counties "blue". Every little victory costs money.

[havocmom]

9. Some counties have CHAIRS?

Wow. That'd be cool.

[mcscajun]

13. Damn, and I thought I was trapped in red country...

...you must be really deep inside.

Our Democratic county organization is definitely a minority enterprise, but at least we have it.

[havocmom]

18. How deep inside? We can hold meetings in a car!

Meetings which include ALL registered Dems in the county! And we only need a small car. At least the car has chairs ;)

[mcscajun]

20. Ha!

:rofl:

[havocmom]

25. You don't understand. It is true

When I moved here and registered DEM, I was the 6th registered DEM in the county! Since then, two have died. It isn't funny! Stop the laughing and send me condolences! ;)

[mcscajun]

28. YIKES! Sixth!!!??? Holy Crow!

Yes, you are a WHOLE Helluva lot deeper in the "red" than am I.

You have my deepest sympathies.

[havocmom]

31. Thank you. Everybody here thinks I'm being a smart ass!

No, things really can be that bad!

The good news: One person CAN make a difference. By showing, through example, through how I live and what my values are, locals are learning what liberals really are, what we value, how we walk the walk, things are changing around here. Since we are such a rare breed, they had only myths and stories to rely on. Rush and FAUX don't paint accurate portraits and they are starting to see that!

I work elections. I help count the votes. In 04, Kerry got more than Gore did in 2000. There were even votes for Nader and LOTS of ballots with no choice marked for president!

People here, normally pretty closed mouth about all things political, sometimes ask me some pretty good questions, since I have lived out in the world and all... Since they have seen that I am a decent moral person and very good neighbor, they have dropped a lot of Rush-induced prejudices about liberals and given me a chance to put across the REAL hopes liberals have for America, and why so many things worry us. Most of my neighbors find they are more in agreement with me than with the 'party line' the GOP is shoveling down their throats. They grudgingly agree that they are NOT better off now than they were five years ago. They certainly don't feel any safer either.

It proves to me that Dr Dean's strategy of LISTENING and then getting the real DEM message out in the heartland is a winner. We have to stop giving up the heartland and letting the GOP take it by default. We have to stop letting them define us by not being here to voice the populist views which used to hold the rural voters to the DEM party. We have to fucking pay attention and stop being bigoted about rural populations. Too many DEMS DON'T know the people as well as they think they do when they just give up the heartland. REAL communication is the ticket!

Oh, and Conrad Burns? He's TOAST! The good ol boys started payin some attention to what was being DONE instead of what was being said when ol Conrad blows through, glad-handin and asking for $$. Why, I even heard a little knot of them talking tar & feathers if the Senator shows up around here again.

Who knows, maybe in a few years, we can hold DEM meetings in a bus or something!

[SCDem]

33. Our county (which is red) is at it's healthiest ($ wise) ever

That is because this past May on an off year we had a friendly fundraiser and raised +$30,000. That is a lot for a small red county. Local people need to do work to get money their way.

[wisteria]

8. Thank you!! n/t

[flyarm]

11. i for one am holding back sending any money until i see if the dems

filibuster alito...if they do not they will not get any money from me as it would be a useless waste of money..if we can not get the dems to take a stand on voting machines, and alito..we have no democracy left..and i will not waste another red cent on this usless bunch of wossies!

its time for them to put up or shut up..
i have spent and spent and spent on this party and this bunch..and they vote against my democratic values over and over again..

now they either get it or they don't ..but i would rather give the money to my child than waste it on anyone who does not support my values as an American!

it is put up or shut up time now...

fly

[madfloridian]

14. This is tiresome. It is negative. It is non-productive.

If you don't support them, you have not much right to issue ultimatums.

[RazzleDazzle]

23. MadFL is right -- and I'll help explain why

What Dean is doing with the DNC is building from the grassroots up. No doubt he is personally as disgusted with the "leadership" in Congress as most of us are, BUT remember-- he has NO CONTROL over what they do. None whatsoever. All he can do is run the party apparatus and build the structure that's been lacking for many years now. And he's doing an admirable job.

If you do not want to support those who are disappointing you, work with those who DO vote as you want, or help find people to run against the disappointments, or help fund those who step up to the plate to run against incumbents in the primaries. Last night I read about somebody who's running against Lieberman!!!!!!!!!!!! Now there's someone worth supporting, for starters.

If you want to voice your concenrs -- and I encourage you to do so -- write to the Senators and Congresspeople directly with your disappointment and intention not to contribute, along with the Democratic committees which are run somewhat independently of the DNC itself (that is, not run by Dean) but chaired by active Senators and Congresspeople. Rahm Emmanuel is the chair of one of them. Tell THEM you don't intend to contribute.

Bottom line: if you want to see positive changes in the Democratic Party, help Dean re-build it from the ground up.

[zanne]

35. I haven't donated in a year for the same reason.

And I let them KNOW it. I'm so sorry if this is "tiresome". I'm tired of waiting, hoping and praying for them to actually stand up for democratic principles on a CONSISTENT basis. The ONLY way to send them a message they'll HEAR is to withold money. We can sign petitions, we can write, we can call, we can march and it does absolutely nothing. Money, or lack of it, TALKS.

[obreaslan]

12. Not sure about the figures, but...

I question any statement that starts, "The RNC points out..." For me, that's a red flag. Just like "The White House claims..." is usually a good indication that a big fat lie is about to follow.

I'm just thinking out loud. :)

[wisteria]

15. Good point, but I still think you can always use more money. n/t

[John Q. Citizen]

16. Rachel Maddow pointed out on her show this morning that

historically the RNC raises 3 to 1 over the Dems. That has been cut to 2 to 1 under Dean.

So while the DNC under Dean has been investing much of that money in building State Democratic Party's abilities to compete, he has done a good job at closing the fund raising gap between the DNC and the RNC.

I like that he is doing a good job and I like that he is spending the money on building State Parties.

I'm sending ten bucks today.

[iconoclastNYC]

17. IDEA: MOVE-on style house parties.....sign people up for DEMBONDS

Seems to me like the DNC could spend 50K on putting together a inspirational movie on the 2006 plan and release it to people who sign up 10 or more people to come to a house party/movie screening. Then near the end of the movie touch briefly on the need for funding and pitch the bonds....the organizers have the forms to fill them out and do a little arm twisting (come on people it's $10 a month minium! that's two starbucks coffees).

I think the DNC needs to act more like MoveON and communicate more directly to it's activist base, they need to deputize us and turn us into recruiters to draw people into the activist/donor community.

[madfloridian]

22. The DNC did have those.

There were house parties in November with a conference call. They were covered at the blog. There was a very moving one from New Orleans.

There are SOTU house parties being held.
http://www.democrats.org/a/2006_state_of_the_union/2006_state_of_the_union_watch_parties/

[iconoclastNYC]

24. Wow then that 60,000 number really does suck.

I wish the DNC would release more videos. How about a monthly video address from Dr. Dean? They could premier them at the parties and then post them on the Internet.

[mzmolly]

21. "Cash on hand" - Dean is spending to organize in 50 states.

He's not in the business of "saving money" he's trying to win elections.

This is spin IMHO.

NOW everyone who hasn't signed up for a Democracy Bond please do so today!

https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/democracybonds

[karynnj]

26. Have they attemped to add up all the funds

I doubt I get solicited by every Democratic organization - but I know there is the DNC, the DFA, 21st century Democrats, the DCCs(house), (whatever the Senate org's acronym is). There are also others tied to politicians or interest groups - Hillary and Kerry both have PACs to use to help others in 2006, and example of an interest group is Emily's list. There are also state and individual candidate funds.

The point is that all these funds need to register their information. A real comparison would aggregate all of these.

[AX10]

27. Dean has been raising money for the state parties.

There is no "money shortage" for the Democrats.

[rocktivity]

29. On Rachel Maddow's Air America show

she highlights a Rethug tactic. This very morning, she talked about how the they work to create the illusion that the Dems are hurting financially, mostly because Howard Dean is such a turnoff. Rachel said that Dean has reduced the Dem fundraising margin from 3-to-1 to 2-to-1. And by the way, if "spending heavily" is the reason why the Dems won in VA and NJ, WHY DIDN'T THE RETHUGS WIN???

:headbang:
rocknation

[Dragonbreathp9d]

36. Is it possible

for the DNC to take donations from international places? I am not well versed on campaign finance laws, but it would seem to me that we could make quite a bit by appealing to France, Germany, Russia, Canada, and even Chavez! Just a thought.