1. Paul S. Herrnson University of Connecticut State Legislative Leaders Foundation May 7, 2015

2.  Candidates must wage two campaigns  Incumbents have huge advantages  Campaign finance system has disintegrated  New possibilities, pressures, and pitfalls for donors  It’s not always a race between 2 candidates anymore

3.  The campaign for votes  The campaign for resources

4. Logistics Strategy Message Communications Motivate supporters, win persuadable voters, depress turnout for opposition 4

5.  Prior to the campaign season  District composition  High visibility & popularity  During the campaign season  Quality of the opposition  Head start/early lead  Expectations  Voting cues  “The cycle”  Most incumbents win, but many run scared... 5

6.  Fundraising Logistics – Begins early, ends after the election – State or nationwide Steps – Identify a financial constituency – Develop a pitch – Start local, build out – Match techniques to donors  Political consulting talent  Endorsements  Outside spending groups

7. Interest Groups Political action committees (PACs) Corporations, unions, trade associations, others Political parties Party politicians Individuals – Small $’s from district and elsewhere – Large $’s from the wealthy areas

8. Personal Solicitation Big $ Egos Access Fundraising Events Mid $ Social Direct Response: -Direct Mail -Telemarketing Low $ The Cause Source: Nancy Bocskor The Fundraising Pyramid

9. Experienced organization Tried and true fundraising list and pitch Money is drawn to power Expectations Dynamics – Start early (continuous f-r) – Raise lots $  scare off competition OR keep raising $ Challenger disadvantages – Opposite situation – “Catch 22” 9

10. Court rulings, regulatory decisions… From 3 Letters… PAC (political action committee) ….To Alphabet Soup PACs Super PACs (IE-only committees) 527 committees 501(c)s / social welfare organizations Corporations, trade associations, labor unions, others

11. Source: Center for Responsive Politics data.

12. Put Alaska First PAC$10,157,335 supports Begich (D-Ak.) Kentuckians for Strong Leadership $6,409,610 supports McConnell (R-Kty.) Committee to Elect an Independent Senate $3,891,371 supports Orman (I-Kans.) Source: Center for Responsive Politics data.

13.  Court rulings, regulatory decisions, 24-hour news cycle …  Individuals can do almost anything...may be asked to do everything  The almost can backfire … and everyone can learn about it

14.  Contribute to a candidate, party, traditional PAC, 527, 501(c), super PAC, single-candidate super PAC ◦ No aggregate limit  Make unlimited expenditures ◦ Same for corporations, unions, other groups  Create an organization or network of org’s ◦ Limited, disclosed contributions to regulated committees ◦ Unlimited, undisclosed contributions to unregulated committees  Do nothing? ◦ Depends on motives for contributing ◦ Balance: impact on election and policy v. public exposure

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16.  43,900 ads run this cycle (Jan 2013 – Aug 2014)  On course to spend $290 million in 2014 16 2014

17.  Outside spending can be substantial  In 2014…  Parties and interest groups outspent both candidates in 9 Senate and 19 House races  Difficult for candidates ◦ Plan their campaigns ◦ Disseminate their messages ◦ Avoid the money chase  Voters hear a cacophony of voices  Financed by wealthy individuals & groups

18. Questions? Thank you

20. Source: Paul S. Herrnson, Congressional Elections (Sage/CQ 2012).