The Democratic fundraising makes the GOP edgy
March 3, 2008
As the Grand Old Party watches the amount of cash the two Democratic Party nominees are sweeping in as campaign funds the Republicans are starting to feel a bit edgy. Many people in the country believe that what is happening is a look into the future. The Republican Party members, when they see Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama raking in tons of cash suddenly get the feeling that they may be outrun in the race just because of lack of funds.
The fact that the amount of money the Republican is certain for the presidential elections have been able to get is only one by seventh of what the 2 democratic nominees put together was able to get. This itself reflects the amount of cash the Democrats are receiving in the form of donations. Out of the two Democrat nominations, Barack Obama especially has been able to develop a very broad base of enthusiastic donors. The good thing for him about this is that the help that these people are willing to give is far more than just money. This is what is ringing the alarm bells in the Republican camp.
The gap that had been existing between the 2 parties since the mid term election in 2006, has been maintained by the Democrats with fervent vigor. Even the republicans have started to feel that the Democrats raise more money, have better crowd support and a lot of excitement during their campaign trail. If all these put together with the fact that the Democrats have more turnout during their campaigns, the Grand Old Party is going find it very tough during the fall when the elections will be held.
In the month of January Barack Obama raised close to $36 million and in the month of February Hilary Clinton was able to raise $35 million according to her campaign aides. It is estimated that Obama would have received at least $50 million as funds in the month of February. But the amount of money McCain was able to raise in the month of January was only $12 million. It is said and believed that he is going to get only the same kind of money in the month of February as well.
The amount of money that is flowing into the Democratic camp hints strongly towards the possibilities of a presidential candidate for the first time since the Watergate scandal forgoing public finance for the purpose of General Elections. This would result in the setting aside of almost $85 million for the months of September and October if he or she is able to raise more money.
As if the Republican Party is sensing this, McCain had been asking Obama to agree on holding the general elections using public funds. But it is learnt that the Democrats are advising Obama not to give ears to the Republican request. This is because they fear that the republicans would then use outside parties to raise any amount of cash to flatten any advantage the Democrats may have in terms of cash.