Why did Obama spend so much money on his Florida "non-campaign"?

[Tom Rinaldo]

Capital Eye
Closing the Books on '07: Part IV

As the Center for Responsive Politics analyzes the presidential candidates’ year-end campaign finance reports, Capital Eye is mining the data for observations on the race.

By Lindsay Renick Mayer
February 05, 2008


..."Although the Democrats weren't able to earn delegates in Michigan or Florida, because the states scheduled early primaries without the national party's blessing, the hopefuls still spent nearly $3.4 million in those states. Hillary Clinton and Obama each spent about $130,000 in Michigan while Obama spent $1.3 million in Florida—more than any other Democratic candidate and more than eight Republican candidates, who were eligible to win delegates from the state."
http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=335

[Perky]

1. What did he spend it on?

[libbygurl]

4. Article doesn't specify. Good question. nt

[Tom Rinaldo]

5. I don't know, I am hoping someone supporting Obama can provide more information on this

I found this report posted at Mydd in a front page blog. I followed the link, and the link seems reputable, so I posted what Capital Eye reported here. I have no further information on this, which is why I posted my OP as a question.

[floridablue]

7. Perhaps it wasn't spent IN Florida

Pay for operatives to control the "volunteers" on the streets. Or the portion of the National tv ads they couldn't pull off the local stations (wow, that is a real whopper!)

[Perky]

13. It also could be for consultants who are based in Florida but working elswhere.

that would make the most sense. It certainly was not for florda ad buys or GOTV efforts.

[Tom Rinaldo]

20. It is a question that deserves real answers and not just speculation

The figures released are comparisons of Obama's expenditures in Florida with those of the other Presidential Candidates - from both parties, and Obama's expenditure is quite large compared to all of them. I have never seen any indication that Obama's campaign has any special ties inside of Florida, or with leading Democratic figures in Florida to explain why he spent so much more money in Florida than the other candidates.

In light of the fact that only Obama found an excuse to broadcast campaign ads into Florida before the primary, this new information does make me suspect that he was making a below the radar effort to rack up votes in Florida's primary. I would welcome facts that showed otherwise.

[floridablue]

28. Back to my speculation

There were lots of on the ground volunteers, and they had to be organized from somewhere and that would cost money. Though the amount of money mentioned would be a major impact.

[anamandujano]

39. Wouldn't that fall into the category "campaigning?"

[floridablue]

46. They were just volunteers, not part of the campaign. LOL

[Perky]

31. LOL you have made an accusation and you expect Obama supporters

to prove it is not so. Do your own friggin research Tom. You make the accusation support it with evidence.

[Tom Rinaldo]

33. I asked a question - it wasn't an accusation

The information I posted avails itself to possibly making accusations, I know that, I'm not playing dumb, but I have not reached a conclusion and I did not accuse Obama of improper behavior.

You are attacking the messenger however. I didn't dig this stuff up and introduce it onto the internet; it was already a front page featured article on MyDD. I read all the comments there, no one as yet has any basis to dispute the facts given, if they did I would have said so or not posted this. This is already out there now. People can draw their own conclusions, they can ask questions of the campaigns, or they can do their own further research.

[Perky]

42. Umm no

The figures released are comparisons of Obama's expenditures in Florida with those of the other Presidential Candidates - from both parties, and Obama's expenditure is quite large compared to all of them. I have never seen any indication that Obama's campaign has any special ties inside of Florida, or with leading Democratic figures in Florida to explain why he spent so much more money in Florida than the other candidates.

{b]In light of the fact that only Obama found an excuse to broadcast campaign ads into Florida before the primary, this new information does make me suspect that he was making a below the radar effort to rack up votes in Florida's primary. I would welcome facts that showed otherwise.

[Tom Rinaldo]

43. Those aren't accusations. I raised issues, there's a difference...

...but tell you what, go to the bottom of this thread in about one minute and read what I am about to post there. It might ease your mind about my motives.

[Tom Rinaldo]

44. Self Delete - Posted in wrong place, see bottom of thread instead n/t

[yourguide]

41. sorry to break it to you...

but I buy advertising and you cant specify pulling a certain state in a national campaign. Those ads are essentially part of the broadcast. Local ads are essentially run over the national ads that pay less for their national campaigns.

[durrrty libby]

2. His ads ran 24/7 in Fl. Anyone that doesn't think that qualifies as

campaigning needs an intervention

[xultar]

6. Well actually he was allowed cuz he bought national time on CNN

and couldn't just x out FL.

[durrrty libby]

10. The excuses don't matter. He made his case through ads.

Florida voters saw that.

[stillcool]

35. I can't believe this...

that allegation was debunked eons ago. His campaign was the first to run a nation wide ad, and before they did so they checked to make sure it was okay. Surely you saw all of those reports, no?

[anamandujano]

40. He still lost.

[Tom Rinaldo]

11. Let's just say that is subject to dispute

All of the other Democratic Candidates managed to run TV ads around the country without being "forced" to show them inside Florida also. And the only claim that someone "allowed" Obama to do so comes from the State Democratic Chair of South Carolina; but he was only one of the four early primary/Caucus State Chairs who the Democratic candidates, Obama included, made their non Florida campaigning pledges to. The other three were not "consulted".

[joeybee12]

14. No other candidate felt the need to buy on CNN and got around that...

...and were able to advertise in other states without advertising in Florida. more Obama double talk and more media hypocrsiy in buying his crap.

[rodeodance]

23. Obama is full of excuses and Obamacampers make the same excuses for him.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

19. they should turn their TVs off, we saw the same ads in NC

and our primary isn't until may

I guess we should have broken the rules like Florida, right?

[durrrty libby]

21. The people in Fl watching ads (aka voters) did not break any rules

[kerry-is-my-prez]

37. I live in FL and Obama's were the only ads I saw- No Edwards or Clinton ads.

at least I didn't see any ads for those two. Maybe someone else saw some....

[xultar]

3. They were allowed to fundraise in FL maybe it was trips down for that.

[Tom Rinaldo]

8. But everyone was allowed to fund raise in Florida, and they all did.

Hillary Clinton was fund raising in Florida too, I know that for a fact, and she probaby had more of a need to raise money in person in Florida than Obama, because she did not have the same success as he did with online fundraising. So how did Obama manage to outspend everyone else in Florida?

The Republicans actually ran open campaigns in Florida also, and this report shows Obama outspending them as well, cumulatively.

[xultar]

22. I FUCKING SAID THEY (HILL AND OBAMA) WERE ALLOWED...WHY SO DEFENSIVE? READ MY POST AGAIN

[Tom Rinaldo]

24. If you don't want to discuss your posts, think twice before posting them

You are the one cursing and going all Caps. I didn't call you out on the content of your post. If you think I did, maybe you should read my post again.

[xultar]

25. I said THEY were allowed to fundraise in FL. What is wrong with what I said.

[xultar]

26. When did the word THEY just apply to Obama. They, ALL. WTF is your problem?

[Tom Rinaldo]

27. "Hillary Clinton was fund raising in Florida too, I know that for a fact, ..."

Did you actually read my post? Here is how I started:

"Hillary Clinton was fund raising in Florida too, I know that for a fact, and she probaby had more of a need to raise money in person in Florida than Obama, because she did not have the same success as he did with online fundraising."

So how on earth do you twist that into me defining "THEY" as only Obama?

My attempt to have a discussion with you above revolved around the fact that all PResidential Canmdidates, both Democratic and Republican, always do fund raising in Florida - there are major pockets of wealth in Florida and it is a populous State. Of course Obama spent money doing fundraising in Florida, but why were his expences so high relative to other candidates? My point is that since all the candidates raise money in Florida, it's not as if that was a budget expense unique to Obama's political situation.

[xultar]

29. I understand where you are coming from. I'm just offering that maybe that is where the expense came

from.

That's all.

[Tom Rinaldo]

30. Fair enough xultar. Thanks n/t

[Cameron27]

9. Good question Tom

K&R

[UALRBSofL]

16. I don't know but are they required to show specifics on spending?

I've never really thought about it.

[Iceburg]

12. Why would he runs ads when he agreed not to? "Honor" is so passe/nt

[cd3dem]

32. he claimed he was unable to pull them... but they are now the voting is done!

[stillcool]

36. here's something............

Dear Democratic Presidential Candidate:

Throughout 2005 and 2006, the Democratic National Committee worked diligently to establish a presidential nominating calendar that would ensure victory for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee, preserve the traditional role of retail politics early in the nominating process and to include the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity that makes this Party great.

In 2006, through a fair and open process conducted by the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina were selected for the "pre-window." The calendar was approved by the full DNC over a year ago. We are in agreement that the states chosen by our party reflect the energy and diversity of our great country and our party.

Recent actions by a few states could dismantle this thoughtful and deliberate effort by the DNC. Presidential campaigns, county chairs, elected officials, activists and the media have reached out and asked for our help in bringing this uncertainty (and potential chaos) to an end. Campaigns need to make major spending decisions. County Chairs need to find precinct locations and precinct chairs. Elected officials need to finalize election logistics. As a party we owe it to these organizations and individuals to conduct a sensible and timely nominating process.

For the good of our party and our candidates, it is our desire to bring finality, predictability and common sense to the nominating calendar. We ask you to accept the attached four state pledge, steeped in established DNC rules, by signing and sending the pledge form by Thursday, September 6, 2007, via email to South Carolina Chairwoman Carol Fowler at [e-mail]. Please also mail a hard copy to Chairwoman Fowler at SCDP, PO Box 5965, Columbia, SC 29250.

We appreciate your consideration of this pledge which brings order to the presidential nominating calendar. We look forward to focusing on electing a President, rather than selecting dates. If you or your staff has any questions, please contact any of the four State Party Chairs or Executive Directors.
Thank you,

In a brief statement, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said the campaign consulted with South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler, one of the initiators of the pledge, who “told us unequivocally she did not consider this to be in violation of pledge made to the early states.”

“Both national cable networks told us it would be impossible for us to run advertising nationally that excluded only Florida,” Burton said.

Clinton recently said that the state remained important in the nominating process, even without delegates or campaigning, and the push to define Obama’s buy as a breach could apparently open the gates to Clinton campaigning in the state.

Clinton supporters on a conference call repeatedly noted that Clinton had not campaigned in the state “to this point,” but neither Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee nor Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) would rule it out in the future.

“We are reviewing all the options that are available to us, and a decision will be made in the very near future,” Wasserman Schultz said.

Turning Florida into a relevant state would likely give Clinton a third-straight significant victory, after New Hampshire and Nevada. Clinton holds a large lead in the Sunshine State, which includes many former New Yorkers.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

15. interesting....Obama wants desperately to capitalize on his investment $1.3 million

[madrchsod]

17. how much did hillary spend?

why does`t the "capitaleye" give us those figures? hard to make a judgment when one does`t have all the facts...or don`t we need facts?

[dsc]

18. actually his national ads aren't even counted here

In total, the presidential candidates spent at least $69.4 million in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida and Wyoming, or about 14 percent of their expenditures last year. But those who spent the most in these states didn't necessarily emerge the winners. For the Democrats, Barack Obama outspent the rest of the candidates in all four of the primary states where his party was campaigning—Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada—and came in first in Iowa and South Carolina. On the Republican side, Mitt Romney spent the most in Iowa, South Carolina, Michigan and Wyoming but won only Michigan and Wyoming. Ron Paul outspent his opponents in New Hampshire, Nevada and Florida, but didn't take first place in any of those contests. Now would be a good time to mention that measuring spending in a state is problematic. The biggest expenses—advertising, for one—are often spent with vendors outside the state, or even just over the state line. These figures measure only what was spent on the ground with local companies and individuals.

Although the Democrats weren't able to earn delegates in Michigan or Florida, because the states scheduled early primaries without the national party's blessing, the hopefuls still spent nearly $3.4 million in those states. Hillary Clinton and Obama each spent about $130,000 in Michigan while Obama spent $1.3 million in Florida—more than any other Democratic candidate and more than eight Republican candidates, who were eligible to win delegates from the state.


bold print is mine. We admittedly don't know what Hillary spent, though apparently less than 1.3 million, but since this spending is on top of the 'national' ads, ads which for some reason didn't run in North Carolina, it reveals a troubling pattern.

[Bad Thoughts]

34. Bad Question

Much of it was spent before the September pledge. Moreover, much of it was probably fundraising and paying staff, etc.

This thread has appeared numerous times today. It changes nothing.

[GreenTea]

38. It wasn't HIS own money-it was all that corporate money & peoples donations certainly not HIS money!

[Tom Rinaldo]

45. Some new info has been posted at Mydd

Someone got in touch by email with the people who published this data. This was the disclaimer it turns out that they issued at the time of the first release:

"Now would be a good time to mention that measuring spending in a state is problematic. The biggest expenses--advertising, for one--are often spent with vendors outside the state, or even just over the state line. These figures measure only what was spent on the ground with local companies and individuals."


In addition, an emailed response for more information got this reply


"To explain further, the expenditures figures Jerome cited are calculated by looking only at the addresses of the vendors that each campaign paid. They are almost certainly not accurate counts of how much was spent in a state. It's possible that Obama hired a vendor based in Florida who did work outside the state for his campaign. For example, maybe the printer of his signs is in Florida. The amount of money spent on signs would appear in the campaign finance reports to have been focused solely on Florida, when, in fact, the signs were used to campaign all over the country."

[Barack_America]

47. Thanks for posting again and pointing out the weakness of your OP.

That shows integrity.

[Perky]

49. Yes it does. This should have been done first before insinutation it was for actiities in Florida

and then asking Obama supported to prove that it was not.

[avrdream]

50. Tom is always honest.

Someone yesterday threatened to put him on ignore. I laughed my ass off.

[robbedvoter]

48. Just to make sure media doesn't cover Florida????

:shrug: