Big Clinton Fund-Raisers May Run Their Own Ads

[DeepModem Mom]

WSJ: February 13, 2008
Big Clinton Fund-Raisers May Run Their Own Ads
Rich Backers Huddle With Lawyers to Help Cash-Strapped Effort
By BRODY MULLINS, JOHN EMSHWILLER and IANTHE JEANNE DUGAN
February 13, 2008; Page A10

WASHINGTON -- As Sen. Hillary Clinton faces a money crunch, several of her top fund-raisers are considering using independent organizations to wage their own campaigns on her behalf.

At least two sets of Clinton fund-raisers are speaking with lawyers to figure out how to create independent entities to support Mrs. Clinton in Ohio, Texas and other primary contests. Susie Tompkins Buell, the founder of the Esprit clothing company, says she is deciding whether to start her own entity to fund commercials for Mrs. Clinton, or whether to donate to existing groups, such as abortion-rights group Emily's List, that are already spending money on Mrs. Clinton.

It's not certain that any of the efforts by the Clinton fund-raisers will get off the ground. Campaign-finance law makes it difficult for campaign insiders to fund independent efforts to elect candidates. Still, the discussions highlight two financial facets of the 2008 presidential campaign. First, wealthy Americans are increasingly funding their own independent political operations to back candidates they support. Second, some of Mrs. Clinton's financial backers worry that she is falling behind in the fund-raising race.

"We're just trying to figure out things to do to help," Ms. Buell said. "We all feel very passionate about it, so the question is, what is the best thing we can do to get her across the finish line?" Another Clinton fund-raiser, who didn't want to be named because he hasn't made a final decision, said he may pump as much as $500,000 into television, radio and newspaper ads for Mrs. Clinton.

Howard Wolfson, a spokesman for the Clinton campaign, declined to comment. By law, Mr. Wolfson isn't allowed to speak with anyone who might start an independent campaign on Mrs. Clinton's behalf....

http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB120286639798963915.html

[David Zephyr]

1. And she'll lose the Super Delegates for initiating this.

And then then because she drew first blood, the big guns over at MoveOn.Org, who really know how to hit with 527 ads, will level her campaign into dust.

[sandnsea]

2. No more Esprit for me n/t