Whether or not we like to believe it, money plays a huge role in American politics, and the ability of candidates to raise money for their campaigns is crucial to winning an election. Typically, incumbents have an advantage when it comes to raising funds, at least earlier on in a campaign. Republican challenger Dr. Paul Gosar will need to work hard to out-raise incumbent Ann Kirkpatrick, as she has a major edge financially.
Political Actions Committees (PAC’s) are a major source of monetary donations to candidates, especially incumbents. This occurs because incumbents have much more political clout and are more likely to succeed in the election. According to the last update from August, Kirkpatrick had raised $1.4 million, with $635,250 coming from PAC’s. Gosar on the other hand, had raised a total of $414,486, with only $43,500 coming from PAC’s. Kirkpatrick clearly has had a financial edge so far being the incumbent, but if Gosar continues his strong run things could change as Election Day draws closer.
While PAC’s are an important source of donations, congressional candidates must identify groups of sympathetic potential donors and create a pitch that will appeal to them, and encourage them to donate to their campaigns. Kirkpatrick and Gosar have done a good job of appealing to likely donors, as both have tapped into their former careers looking for financial help. Kirkpatrick, a former attorney, has had over 300 donations from attorneys and those who work for attorneys. Gosar on the other hand, has had over 400 donations from those in the dental field.
While the race in Arizona’s First District has tightened up since this article was written on September 5th, it is clearly much more difficult for challengers to raise money than incumbents. Kirkpatrick has a major edge from PAC donations, and Gosar will have to rely more on fundraising from individual donors. However, PAC’s might be more likely to donate to Gosar in the coming weeks considering he has proven himself to be a serious contender over the last month.
Kirkpatrick/Gosar Campaign Finance Data
Did you find anything on the type's of PAC's that donated moneys to the candidates canpaigns? I beleive the type of PAC's that loan them money, will have an affect on their campaigns and how voters view them.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the that comment, i'm not sure if i really agree or see how the type of money will greatly impact thier campaign. I think that money is money, dirty or clean,no matter where it comes from, that candidate will still be able to expand thier campaign. And voters dont usually care or take care to find out where that money originated from.
ReplyDelete