Obama Leads McCain in Dollars, sort of.
I hope this storyline changes soon (from CNN.com):
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama raised millions more than his Democratic rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain in April. Obama brought in $31 million, his campaign announced Tuesday.
Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady, raised $22 million in April, campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said. McCain’s take of more than $18.5 million was a new high for the Arizona senator, according to his campaign’s monthly finance report.
Though it’s not so bad for the party as a whole (from AOLNews.com/AP).
The RNC, which is the party’s main political arm, had nearly 10 times more cash on hand than its Democratic counterpart at the end of April, a notable GOP advantage in what has otherwise been Democratic fundraising dominance this election.
The committee on Tuesday reported having $40.1 million in the bank. The Democratic National Committee had $4.4 million.
The RNC raised $15.7 million in April compared to $4.7 million by the DNC.
Significantly, the financial disparity comes in a presidential election year when the candidates rely on the parties to mobilize voters and promote their message. Overall this year, the RNC has raised more than $52 million, the DNC has raised more than $22 million.
This shouldn’t be a reason for us to get cocky, because once the Democrats have their nominee, it should be no shock to anyone that they will probably match us dollar for dollar, especially if their Democratic White House Victory Fund idea actually takes off. This new concept will give the DNC the ability to maximize donor potential even before there is a nominee.
As part of the unusual pact, donors can contribute up to $33,100 to the newly created Democratic White House Victory Fund. The money would benefit whichever candidate becomes the nominee. Some Democrats said the deal would permit some of Clinton donors to get behind Obama without having to write a check directly to his campaign.
The fundraising success of the RNC is something that should be evaluated further. Does this suggest that the RNC is simply being more aggressive in their fundraising tactics? Does this mean that Republicans are more comfortable giving their money to the RNC than they are to John McCain?
Or, does this simply mean that the McCain campaign is doing its fundraising in segments – building the RNC war chest now, and waiting to do the more aggressive campaign fundraising when more people are mobilized behind his campaign and the mud starts flying?
I think it’s probably a little of each.
Wishing ‘Senator Ted’ a speedy recovery
Today I had the opportunity to get a rare glimpse into just how powerful and revered certain members of the Senate can be, amongst “politicos” from both sides.
As I’m sure you all have heard Senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Taking his age, previous health problems and overall severity of brain tumors into account, there are many who are wondering what the future will hold for the Senator.
Tuesdays are normally busy and chaotic days here in Washington, where lunch hot-spots are usually bustling with activity and the conversation is centered on the latest policy of the day.
However, this afternoon was different. What was already a gloomy day, was made even more morose by the news of Senator Kennedy’s health concerns.
I was just speaking with a friend who was having lunch with some Republican leaders this afternoon at an establishment that is frequented by many Republicans, and he told me that the main topic throughout the course of their late lunch and throughout the dining room was the health Senator Kennedy.
Now, my friend mentioned that this isn’t the first time that Senator Kennedy has been this popular, but he did say it was the first time that he saw leaders from both sides, truly concerned about the wellbeing of another member.
No matter what your thoughts on Senator Kennedy and his politics are, this is an impressive showing of just how powerful he has become over the decades. In terms of Republicans commenting on Senator Kennedy, I think that John McCain, who has spent many years with Kennedy, said it best (from CNN.com):
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to him. We hope and pray that they will be able to treat it and that he will experience a full recovery.”
“I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate. And I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate.”
While there are many who might not think of him as the most effective member of the Senate, I’d argue that if there was ever one person who could help a bill pass, it’s Senator Kennedy.
Either way, Senator Kennedy will be in the prayers of many and I wish him a speedy recovery.
‘Vito Power’ will come to an end in January
It looks like ‘Vito Power’ Fossella won’t be seeking reelection for a sixth term in November. This is just another addition to what could easily be classified as the worst month of May any one person could have.
For those who haven’t followed the story, it started with a drunk-driving arrest, then an admission of having an affair and fathering a child with his mistress.
May isn’t over yet…
In a written statement, Vito Fossella stated (via CNN.com):
“This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family”
Even though drunk driving and cheating on your wife aren’t the best ways to ensure a successful reelection, there are people who have been reelected after doing much worse.
I honestly believe that if Fossella wanted to run again, he would probably get reelected. He’s a popular conservative, who usually votes well and seems to represent the political ‘best-interests’ of his Staten Island constituency.
But, it makes sense why he wouldn’t run – choosing to focus on healing the wounds with his family first.
It’s unfortunate that this had to happen when it did. This is a horrible year for the NRCC as it is and now another open seat is going to make things event tougher.
With all the problems aside, I still have a great deal of respect for Vito Fossella. Professionally, he’s a leader and a statesman, whatever he does during his personal time doesn’t matter to me.
I guess it could have been worse… at least it wasn’t a hooker.
I don’t think this is the end for Vito Fossella. He’s young, energetic and is still well liked. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reemerge, seeking another political office in the near future.
