The Register reported yesterday on PAC influence in the 2006 races as candidates get ready to run for President on both sides of the aisle. Clearly, a lot of money is coming into Iowa for candidates and if you look at the pie chart that the Register has in the story, the money is coming in equally for the gubernatorial candidates and other candidates for state office — at least proportionally. The big difference to me was the Democratic emphasis on the party donations versus the Republican focus on the candidates primarily, with only 2% going to the RPI.
Now, I know that the IDP does a lot of the legwork for legislative candidates by giving them campaign managers and field employees, etc. I’m not sure that the RPI does that, but when it comes to party organization, I know that pound for pound, the RPI cannot compete with the Iowa Democratic Party. Some may not like the party — and there are numerous legitimate concerns and issues that deserve to be talked about — but generally, at least for 2006, things have been managed quite well.
So, here’s my question for you readers: Assuming money has a place in politics like it currently does and candidate PACs, where should it go — candidates or the party? And if you reject the assumption, for the sake of coherent and intelligent argument, pretend you do accept the assumption.
Or you can talk about whatever you want as well. Whatever trips your trigger.
The Warner pullout from the race seems even more stunning after looking at the PAC donation numbers.
What is stunning to me is how little Vilsack has provided to Iowa candidates compared to how much his PAC has raised. I applaud Warner on helping ensure a Kaine win before beginning his quest for the Democratic nomination. I wish Vilsack would do more to follow Warner’s lead.