An overview BY: 4 th Hour Group 3 Campaign Budgets

INTRODUCTION Political Campaigns are extremely expensive. The following presentation will explore and dissect campaign spending and the effects it has.

Presidential Candidates Total Spending in Millions of U.S. Dollars

Trends and Possible Causes Trends The Average political budget has increased greatly in each of the last 3 decades. The average increase in the 2000’s was $ million dollars. The average increase in the 1990’s was $103.2 million dollars. In the 80’s the average increase was a meager $14.6 million dollars. The largest increases have come most recently Possible Causes Inflation – everything cost more now than it did 30 years ago. Choices – there are more avenues for spending now than ever before. Wealth – candidates are wealthier and have more powerful support than in previous elections. Strategy – each candidate has used specific marketing and advertising approaches to try to gain an edge. Some are more cost effective than others. Affiliation – different parties have different spending agendas

Where Do the Millions Go? George W. Bush 2004 John Kerry 2004

Total Political Spending 2008

Does it Help? – Experts Speak A brief explanation of spending in the McCain campaign 2008 (Political views may not be supported)

Where Should “Our Money” Go? In a school election, most advertising would not carry cost. Print and public speaking would be the main areas of focus. Both of which are budget friendly. In a local or state election, most advertising would have a much lower cost than that of a presidential election. This is due to the fact that we would be trying to gain the attention of a much smaller group of voters. Still television, radio, mail, internet and print would still be important. In the following slide we will predict spending for a small town mayoral campaign.

Where Should “Our Money” Go? Sample Local Level Campaign Budget 15% to Radio 25% To Local TV 25% To Local Newspaper 20% Local Mail 15% to Outdoor Advertising We Felt like local was the way to go for this election. Our local community will be voting for us and that is where our resources should be applied. Outdoor advertising, road and yard signs are important for notoriety. Also, local TV and newspapers to get the word out.