What’s up with Doug Hoffman’s fundraising numbers?
Conservative Doug Hoffman argues that he’s the logical Republican nominee in the 23rd congressional district race — the best man to beat Democrat Bill Owens.
During last year’s special election, he was a national conservative icon, drawing support and dollars from around the US. He came within a whisker of upsetting both Republican Dede Scozzafava and Owens.
But now the Watertown Daily Times is reporting that Hoffman had what appear to be starkly anemic fundraising numbers in the first reporting period of this year which began January 1st:
Republican Douglas L. Hoffman reported the lowest tally…raising $113,634.66 in the three-month period. The Lake Placid accountant loaned $100,000 to his campaign on March 30, an amount that’s included in his total take.
Only $13,000 in real fund raising in the quarter? It’s hard to hold onto the mantle of inevitability with those numbers.
Meanwhile, according to the Times, Republican Matthew Doheny raised $514,000, including a $150,000 loan to himself.
Rep. Bill Owens, meanwhile, raised roughly $417,500, including a $160,500 loan from his own pocket.
Hoffman still has $262,000 on hand, but that’s significantly less than Doheny or Owens.
Here’s another startling detail: According to the newspaper, Hoffman raised only $500 from local donors.
That compares with $27,000 raised locally by Owens and $1,500 raised in the district by Doheny.
One question spurred by this report is how Hoffman’s candidacy will play in a year when the national attention is diffused over literally hundreds of congressional races.
Many of them offer similar tea party-style candidates. It’s also unclear how much support Hoffman will receive from Republican loyalists within the 23rd district.
Some party leaders (and donors) were angered by the Conservative’s treatment of Scozzafava, a GOP Assemblywoman popular in her district.
Obviously, it’s still early going, and a much clearer picture will emerge following the next fund raising report in the summer.
But the article, by the Times’ Jude Seymour, is a fascinating first snapshot of the campaign’s inner workings.
Karma.
Did he ever buy that house in SL?
Tea Partiers have moved on to other people: Harry Reid, etc.It will be interesting to see if this new movement will take their energy and be able to organize and control it to influence multiple elections this November. The Democrat's "netroots" were able to do so in 2006 and 2008; I'd say the Tea Party will 'arrive' if they repeat the task in 2010.
Hoffman has to have something up his sleeve. He has to have something going on right now to bring the numbers up.
Guess it's hard to nourish the grass roots when the lawn is artificial.
Where's the liberal angst over filthy rich Democrats like Owens being able to put $160K into their election? I thought the "rich" like Owens were not to be associated with? Must be that old, "Do as I say, not as I do" thing…
Ed,You must be confusing actual people with the strawmen you just constructed.
Dem candidate: $27K local moneyGOP candidates: $2K local moneyWhere's the old Republican machine?(Hint: Owens' old law firm used to be called Stafford, Owens, Piller, Murnane–as in late-GOP king of all the north country Ron Stafford.)
Shane hit the nail on the head. He was the diva of the far right because it was a special election so they could pour all their money, energy and vitriol into that. Now, Hoffman has to share the spotlight with hundreds of others trying to pander to people's worst instincts.
I think Hoffman's dismal fund raising is a sign that people realize there isn't much substance there beyond the usual talking points. He offers no specifics about what he'd do differently than those currently in office. When politicians offer no real ideas or alternatives to the status quo, they float on their charm and charisma. Two character traits Hoffman sorely lacks. I also think some have seen through his hypocrisy regarding the nomination process. He complained that the public had no say in the Republican nomination process last time around but yet he was given the conservative nomination this time around essentially the same way, by one man and not even a committee. You can't have both ways, Mr. Hoffman.