Some Democrats Urge Kerry to Forgo Public Campaign Financing

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/09/politics/campaign/09campaign.html?pagewanted=print&position=

At first glance, the notion seems far-fetched. Why would Senator John Kerry's campaign give up $75 million in public money for the general election?

Such a thing has never happened, and the campaign insists it will not happen this year.

But Mr. Kerry raised a surprising $180 million in campaign contributions after opting out of public financing in the primaries. That success is making some Democratic fund-raisers and strategists brazen enough to consider what once seemed unthinkable. They are calling on Mr. Kerry's campaign to forgo public money and to continue to rely on private donations in the general election.

While acknowledging that such a move would enrage advocates of campaign finance reform, those Democrats say the potential benefits of freedom from spending restrictions, and the potential of having far more than $75 million for the fall, would outweigh the likely protest.

[arcos]

1. "Democratic fundraisers and strategists" should thank Howard Dean... n/t

[newsguyatl]

2. exactly.

[Mz Pip]

3. These loopholes

were only supposed to benefit Republicans. Guess we didn't get the memo.

MzPip
:dem:

[physioex]

4. I am willing to do my part in continue...

To pitch in cash... But the decision is up to Kerry let him decide what is best...

[NMDemDist2]

5. me too n/t

[physioex]

6. Yea...

Let's get Shrub outta office.... :toast:

[RamboLiberal]

8. I'm willing to keep giving - Kerry should think about doing

Cause it wouldn't surprise me if Kerry takes the funds that a month later Chimpy and Rove opt out. Ouch!

[AlGore-08.com]

9. The problem if Kerry opts out of public financing

Is that individual donors will contribute to his campaign, rather than to Dems running for Congress, Governor, etc., etc., etc. If Kerry wins, he will need to have as many Dems in Congress as possible, or his term in office will be limited to vetoing bills - - and/or signing bills he doesn't support in order to get the GOP Congress to pass something he does support.

If Kerry doesn't win, the need for Dems in Congress increases exponetially.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

7. That's not a bad idea.

[ps1074]

10. upside and downside

Upside - he will probably be able to collect 100+ million in August, September and October.

Downside - he will have to attend fundraisers instead of hitting the campaign trail.

[qazplm]

11. not necessarily

if he foregoes public financing cant he still raise cash in the month leading up to the DNC?

He at the rate he is going could get 30+ million during that month alone.
And if he foregoes it, so will Bush, and Bush will have to fundraise as well.