Dean Supporters Just Broke All-Time Democratic Fundraising Record Again

[tsipple]

As of 2 PM Eastern Time on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2003), supporters of Howard Dean for President have raised a total so far of $14,846,895.88 in the 4th quarter. Nearly 140,000 individuals this quarter alone participated in the record-breaking achievement, including over 50,000 new individual 4th quarter contributors. Over 280,000 individuals have contributed financially to the Dean campaign to date.

With ten hours to go in the Eastern time zone (and a couple more hours in other time zones), the Dean campaign is now working on setting the exact number for the new Democratic record.

Dean's 3rd quarter fundraising of $14.8 million eclipsed the previous record holder, President Bill Clinton, by over $4 million. Clinton ran unopposed for his party's nomination in the 3rd quarter of 1995. (Dean is running in a nine, formerly ten, candidate field against a sitting Republican president.)

Dean's supporters have also accomplished something else unprecedented in Democratic fundraising history: they bested his previous record in the 4th quarter before the election year. In comparison, Clinton's fundraising dropped by about 40% in the 4th quarter of 1995. Al Gore's fundraising also experienced a comparable dip of about 40% from the 3rd to 4th quarters of 1999. No candidate has been able to sustain such a fundraising performance in the fourth quarter after a 3rd quarter record, much less raise more funds.

A hearty congratulations to Dean supporters everywhere on this amazing accomplishment in making sure Democrats can beat George W. Bush and the Republicans up and down the ticket in 2004. But there's still time to help out, and every dollar counts in setting a brand new record (and in beating Bush). Click here to help out, and thanks again!

On edit: Changed a couple words to make the language more precise in describing what has happened. Also note that the Dean campaign is the only Democratic campaign not handicapped by spending limits (that go along with accepting federal matching funds) and raising the funds needed to remain competitive with the corporately-funded George W. Bush. Bush spent a whopping $15 million this quarter on his campaign even though he is running unopposed in his party.

The overwhelming majority of Dean's contributors sent in small dollar amounts. Federal election laws limit individual contributions to $2,000 maximum. By raising funds from small donor sources, Dean supporters are able to continue giving without bumping up against this limit. Other campaigns may have problems with "tapped out" donors. (Major Democratic candidates may be able to raise up to about $10 million from about 5,000 individuals giving $2,000 each. But that method of fundraising is not sustainable, since there aren't enough $2,000 high dollar contributors to sustain a Democratic campaign.)

Fourth quarter fundraising figures are due for release and disclosure in late January, 2004.

[goforit]

1. Great job!!!............Hooray for DEAN!!!

:bounce:

[Born Free]

53. working on record for 1st quarter

We just sent in another small donation via DeanforAmerica, now that the last quarter record of 2003 is established, it's time we start working toward a new record for 2004. We, the working people of America outnumber the rich and wealthy the bush team depend on and if we work together we have the power to win back America for all the people.

[MikeG]

57. I agree. It is very encouraging to see such support.

[truthspeaker]

2. but remember, he can't win!

etc. etc.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

4. Clearly these donations are coming from Karl Rove's personal account.

I CAN PROVE IT! ALL OF IT! IT'S ALL A CON!

[JNelson6563]

3. Holy Cow!!

Clinton's fundraising dropped by about 40% in the 4th quarter of 1995. Al Gore's fundraising also experienced a comparable dip of about 40% from the 3rd to 4th quarters of 1999. No candidate has been able to sustain such a fundraising performance in the fourth quarter after a 3rd quarter record, much less raise more funds.


That is really impressive!! Glad to have played a small part in making history!

Julie

[revcarol]

5. Notice how the had to "qualify" this!!

all-time "DEMOCRATIC" fundraising record.

Congrats to the Dean campaign. May the Democrats continue to tap into the small contributors, so that we can wean ourselves from the corporate money pit.

[lastliberalintexas]

20. Yes

Unfortunately, Shrub and Co. could probably raise $15 million in just a few $2K per plate dinners or get togethers at Cheney's house. Very sad that money is ruling our democracy.

As a Dean supporter, I'm glad that he's been able to raise so much money this year. If he doesn't get the nomination, though, we need to work to keep the donations flowing to the nominee.

[wryter2000]

25. Absolutely

Some of my money's in Dean's fund, but whoever we nominate will get contributions from me!

This is a fantastic accomplishment. Get the corporate money out of our government!

[dkf]

6. Wow wow wow!

Fellow Dean supporters...we rock!

[MODemocrat]

35. This news makes me smile big time

I've contributed to Howard Dean's campaign, though no large amounts.
If he doesn't get the nomination, I'll still be in there throwing
my "money" to the nominee. So proud to be a Liberal Democrat. :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :thumbsup:

[Chomskyite]

7. The Bushies will get war they won't believe

This will be the best finanched, most aggressive Democratic presidential campaign in US history. The Bushies meanwhile are showing all the signs of complacency, of the overconfidence that leads to losses.

[worldgonekrazy]

29. Dean is the man

This is really astounding. I mean REALLY astounding. The guy has broken the record for two consecutive quarters--the record being held previously by a guy that was running for re-election UNOPPOSED! Dean has tapped into the money machine (and not the CORPORATE money machine for that matter) and will use it to take back the White House. I am excited.

[Zech Marquis]

44. they sure are!

on MSGOP, the mousy lady Chris wahateevr was gushing on with onee f their political gurus on how * can start making the party plans already. Bill Press said this so well--they rethigs might be singing a whole new tone if they keep "encouraging " him :evilgrin:

Now, is there a mimmual amount I have to pay in order to donate to Dean?

[BuelahWitch]

47. Nope, no minimum

I've given several donations of $10. They always thank me...

[DianeK]

8. clearly, a sign

that he has peaked, yet again!

[barbaraann]

11. Oh,yeah, the whore pundits will say he's "peaked too soon."

It's getting to be so predictable...

[RageAgainstTheirMachine]

9. congrats

I agree whoever the Dem candidate is will be well financed.

[beyurslf]

10. Great job!

Let's keep going to 15 million!

[tsipple]

12. The Final Push Is On!

Dean supporters just raised over $23,000 in a mere 30 minutes (2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern time)!

Thanks, everybody! Every dollar is one for the history books now. Call your friends, start your New Year's parties (before midnight!) with a credit card contribution via the Web, and keep it up!

I brought two more contributors to the Dean team at the house parties last night, so if I can do it, you can, too. :7

[caledesi]

13. I forgot to donate. Just did. Wow! This is great. nt

[PatGund]

14. Wow!

Congrats to the Dean camp!

[JaneQPublic]

41. Thanks, PatGund!

And thumbs up to your guy, the General, for recent fundraising successes!

[Indiana Democrat]

15. Outstanding news!!

Keep on moving towards the nomination and then onto victory! Nothing can stop compassionate Democrats!!!

[OHdem10]

16. The beauty of this is

these monies are coming from regular citicens trying to make Democracy work--not from Corporate Barons who will expect a special favor, tax break at others expense, waiver of some health rgulation etc.

[stinkeefresh]

17. and THAT will be the truly revolutionary aspect of this campaign

[tsipple]

18. About $20K More This Past Half Hour

Really nice job, folks! Keep it up -- click here!

[Lisa0825]

19. Way to go US!!!!!!!!

Great news for Dean, great news for Dems, great news for the country!!!

And I second what JNelson6563 said about being part of history. With every "first" or record, I feel a sense of pride for being part of making it happen!

[tedoll78]

21. I want you all to imagine something:

Imagine this man being the nominee, and the full force of the Democratic base contributing - he did this in a field of nine candidates!

Absolutely remarkable..

[Bandit]

22. This is very exciting because it means people are showing they care

I don't care if it is Dean or Clark or Kerry or who ever. It is exciting to me because I expect nothing but apathy and I am being proven wrong daily. I love it. May Democracy be saved by the little folk. Take that DLC

[JNelson6563]

24. Great point you make Bandit!

Apathy is as great an enemy to us as Rove&Co. These successes are evidence we make some progress in vanquishing both.

:toast:

Julie

[Polemonium]

49. palpable hope

If we keep this up, democracy has a chance of being rediscovered. Perhaps the DLC will go back to playing chess or other strategy games. My country is not a chess board, and it is certainly not a game. A great day.:bounce:

[salin]

58. Not only that... but donations are often also a form of 'commitment'

eg increasing the number of supporters who are not only likely to actually come out and vote, but those who are more likely to put volunteer time into the general election - which we need for whoever the candidate becomes. We will still be facing a GOP media, a lazy media that is more gossipy in coverage than substantive, lies and mud from the right and a big funding disadvantage. The only way we will win is through many people working - in each community - often in informal ways (eg conversations) to start getting more people more informed and feeling more empowered to act and vote.

That several campaigns are having more and more success in fundraising that is not solely dependent upon corporate and interest pacs - is a very promising thing.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

23. Dean's come a long way

Rock on!

[xxqqqzme]

26. WOO-HOO

some of my pennies R in there. After the house party last night, I knew he/we would make it.

[Repocrat]

28. Simply Incredible!

I was a Clark supporter, but the way things are going, Dean is the most formidable opponent for Bush it seems. I had to rethink my support for Clark and switch camps. Clark is too passive, doesn't get much press anymore, and isn't a player in neither D.C. or Iowa. Major mistake, as I realized recently. Passive campaigns don't win elections. He's playing it by old rules, which will hurt our chances.

Dean campaign is just on fire, with lively bunch of passionate supporters. I wish same thing could be said about Clark, but he just didn't inspire me enough to keep supporting him. While I did contribute $70 dollars to Clark's campaign in November, there are no regrets. It's all for a common cause of beating G.W. Bush.

Go Dean!

[tsipple]

31. Clark Should Have a Respectable Fundraising Quarter

His supporters raised over $1 million online in the last couple weeks of the quarter, and that's not chopped liver.

The total number for Clark's 4th quarter is still a closely held secret, although estimates abound. We should know sometime in January unless the Clark team discloses earlier. I'm very curious about the average contribution size, actually.

[Rainbows]

40. BINGO ... Average contribution number ...

will tell the tale of who is backed by the people. If the many small can equal or surpass the few large, it is a movement that can not be ignored, ... or defeated.

[MODemocrat]

36. Repocrat, we'd love to have you in the Dean camp

Most of us, though we are supporting Dean, will be working just as hard for the one who is nominated. :thumbsup: :hi: :dem:

[JaneQPublic]

42. Welcome Aboard, Repocrat!

You make some excellent points. Clark's a great guy, but Dean's momentum is just phenomenal.

I hope you attend a Dean Meetup on Jan. 7. I think you'll find it very inspiring.

[tsipple]

27. Some Comparison Figures (Clinton, Gore)

Bill Clinton, 1995 (Incumbent Democratic President, unopposed):
3rd quarter: $10.36 million
4th quarter: $ 6.63 million
Percentage Change: minus 36%

Al Gore, 1999 (Incumbent Democratic Vice President, one primary opponent):
3rd quarter: $7.34 million
4th quarter: $4.07 million
Percentage Change: minus 44.5%

Howard Dean, 2003 (nine candidate field, no incumbent Democrat):
3rd quarter: $14.8 million
4th quarter: $15.1 million (*)
Percentage Change: plus 2%

(*) Still to be determined. 6 1/2 hours remaining in the Eastern time zone.

[worldgonekrazy]

30. Impressive

He just keeps gaining momentum. This is big. I am wondering if the White House just realized how fucking stupid they were to beg for Dean as their opponent.

[tsipple]

32. Dean Supporters' Fundraising Attracting Press Now

Here's an item from New Hampshire Public Radio, for example. One of their undecided primary voters, small businessman Ted Jastrzembski, sends in this piece:

Buzz Growing Louder
Here it is the last few hours of 2003 and someone forwards me a plea from the Dean campaign to help send them over the top of the record $15 million fundraising threshold for the last quarter. Impressive, and a clear indication that the Dean swarm is not about to cease their buzzing after a few Bush scores and frenzied barbs from competitors. And what about those Democratic colleagues? The primary buzz around the coffee machine seems to be pretty focused still on replacing Bush. The attacks on Dean by Kerry and Lieberman in particular, have arroused (sic) some of the strongest emotion I've seen in the campaign thus far--mostly back toward the attackers for doing the Republicans' work for them, questioning whether the Democratic front runner is fit to be President. They say these attack tactics only play into Dean's hands, and allow him to focus on the Bush administration, and the differences between him and the other insider apologists. To the extent voters see through it--maybe it will help to crystalize what seems to be Dean's different direction and further energize the swarm. Its (sic) bound to be an exciting New Year!

[joefree1]

33. $15,128,612.62

F'n A! Did I just hear Rove gulp? This could mean hard times for the wealthy few. Are we looking at future where big money can't compete with little money?


Images from Dean Rocks the House of Blues, Hollywood
From wtmusic http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=919849
From Joefree1 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=921300

[tsipple]

34. And Another $40K in One Half Hour!

Excellent. Excellent.

[tsipple]

37. Just Had a $38K Half Hour

6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Good work!

[cally]

38. Impressive

This is great. I believe that Republicans always had better financial support from small donors in previous cycles. This massive internet fundraising from small donors just turned the tide away from a Republican stronghold. Congrats Dean and his supporters!

[JaneQPublic]

43. Thanks, Cally!

I agree: more small donors is good news for the Democratic Party, not just the one candidate receiving the contributions.

[Polemonium]

39. 15,241,444

and climbing

[pacifictiger]

45. A $10 donation

was the maximum accepted by our current mayor in the last election. He won by a landslide over the heavily financed "good old boy" politically connected majority party contender. Many small donations to a straight forward, competent, hard working no nonsense type, with a large grass roots support, most certainly works!

[pearl]

46. Small donors translates to more voters

After all each fat cat can only vote once and the more donors, you can
bet they and theirs will show up to vote.
I'm still hoping Clark would accept VP. My dream team!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Ernesto]

48. Just imagine

What happens if ALL his Democratic critics get on board. This is when we separate the patriots from the partisans.

[styersc]

50. And Lemmings consistently win Gold Medals for the high dive.

Congradulations.

[Logansquare]

56. Thangou

How are those grapes?

[He loved Big Brother]

59. lol

n/t

[He loved Big Brother]

51. Awesome news

Just watch how the next quarter goes when WE THE PEOPLE don't have to put as many extra pennies towards holiday gifts and getting together with our loved ones. Bye bye Bush!!

DEAN in '04!

[drfemoe]

52. Beautiful

Here's our competition:

Dash for Cash Events
Posted on 08-06-2003 5:05 PM EDT
June 17, 2003 - Washington, DC

Headliner: George W. Bush.
Also appearing: Lobbyist/Pioneers Wayne Berman and Jim Langdon; ex-Reps. Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.) and Vin Weber (R-Minn.); presidential siblings Marvin Bush and Doro Koch; former Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr.
Special attractions: $2,000 hot dogs, hamburgers and nachos.
Bottom line: $3.5 million.

... more
http://www.whitehouseforsale.org/dashforcash/page.cfm?pageid=49

[JohnKleeb]

55. 2000 dollars for hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos

:eyes: and I thought the steakhouse my dad worked at was pricy.

[davsand]

54. Congrats to the Dean team and to the Dems!

How wonderful to see this kind of response to the candidate, and such good news for all Dems that there is this much support for all our candidates!

If we all keep this up shrub will be packing his bags after the elections!

Laura