So, you want to be a Congressman or Senator? OK, we're always willing to help. Now before we ask any dumb stuff, like what are your positions on the issues, there is the most important question - HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE ????
Yeah, there once was a time where someone could have a good grassroots effort, and make it to Washington. Those days are long gone. It takes money - lots and lots of money. The best way to become a legitimate contender is to raise money. That's alot of work. The easier way is to prime that money pump yourself. You might think that with the economy being as bad as it is, that it would be harder to find people willin gto fork over big chunks of cash. You be wrong, dude ....
With 'Change' being the catch phrase this past year, the door appears to be more open than usual for newcomers to dump a load of cash on a campaign, and steal a seat. According to an article in TheHill.com, over 30 candidates have forked over $100,000 of their own money - almost twice as 2008. Pretty amazing, considering that it's an off-year , election wise. Of those, half have ponied up $200,000 or more.... While the congressional races have had candidates giving up to $500,000, it is the Senate races that have had the big self donors - particularly in Texas, where Houston Mayor Bill White dumped $879,000 , and former Comptroller John Sharp dropped $2.6 million........
But, the biggest pledge (or is it loser?) is Ohio car dealer Tom Ganley, who has sid he will spend up to $7 million in his battle against former Rep. Rob Portman to be the next Senator. I hope he got his wife's permission on that one. How's that for economic stimulus? You might be asking 'Didn't Congress pass the Millionaire's Rule to limit fundraising?' Yeah, mostly to keep rich people from taking their jobs... But, the Supreme Court ruled that even the super rich have rights, and they overturned the legislation....
So, after all of this, what have we learned? That the more things change, they more they stay the same - without an unbelieveable story like Carolyn McCarthy's, you will not make it to DC without cash...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR2JxLRJFvI&feature=related
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1 comment:
I am reminded of Judge Sander's quote on 60 Minutes about running against Graham for Strom's seat (I'm paraphrasing): "I told my wife if I ever talk about running for office again, tell me to go into the bathroom and flush $100 bills down the toilet until the feeling passes."
I still think SC lost out when we did not elect Sanders.
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