Kerry Donates $6 Million to House & Senate Campaigns

[tomfodw]

From the official Kerry Web site:

Kerry Donates Unprecedented $6 Million
To Elect Democrats in the House and Senate

Washington, DC – The Kerry-Edwards campaign announced Monday that Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry has donated $3 million from his primary campaign to both the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). The unprecedented donations will help play a crucial role in the committees’ efforts to elect more Democrats to Congress.

“Thanks to tremendous grassroots support from across the country, John Kerry was able to raise a record breaking amount during the primary that he can now share in the effort to elect Democrats across the country,” said Kerry-Edwards campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill. “Together with Democrats in the House and Senate, John Kerry and John Edwards will build an America that is stronger at home and respected in the world. They will strengthen the economy by creating good paying jobs, cut taxes for middle-class families and make America stronger and more secure.”

During the 2004 primary, Kerry smashed previously held fundraising records, raising $225 million. During the final 48 hours, he raised more than $9 million alone.

“This unprecedented support from a presidential campaign to the DSCC will significantly improve the prospects of a Democratic Senate in November,” said Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-ND). (The DSCC raised $15.1 million in the 2nd quarter of 2004.)

“This historic and generous contribution reflects John Kerry's commitment to a legislative agenda worthy of the aspirations and needs of the American people,” House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said. “He knows that when he is president, a Democratic House will support and engage him in his work to make America stronger at home and more respected in the world.”

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous generosity of the Kerry campaign,” said DCCC Chair Robert T. Matsui (CA). “This is the first time in recent history that a presidential campaign has contributed to the DCCC, and it just goes to show John Kerry's commitment to electing a Democratic House. We look forward to standing with John Kerry and John Edwards and enacting an agenda that fosters hope and opportunity throughout America.” (The DCCC raised $16 million in the 2nd quarter of 2004.)

Posted by DickBell on August 16, 2004 at 06:12 PM

[JohnKleeb]

1. Good

He knows that a democratic congress is a copriority of getting himself elected.

[benburch]

2. Concur!

And he also knows that he isn't going to need all that money to get elected.

Shrub is toast.

[JohnKleeb]

4. I think it outta go to races like

perhaps Bowles in NC, maybe Tennabaum in SC, I think Obama is a sure lock in now with Keyes in the race.

[tomfodw]

6. Actually, Kerry can't use his money

The money he collected before July 29 that he didn't spend, he can't use for the general election campaign. He can only use the $75 million from the feds. I don't know how much was left, but he might as well donate it to the DSCC and DCCC, since he can't use it on his own campaign.

That said, it's a great move, one I was expecting before this.

[Cheswick2.0]

3. I will be interested in seeing what candidates this money goes too

will it be the ones who really need it or the ones the DCCC thinks are going to win? Are they going to be funding the race against Delay, Hastert and Hyde? Will they be sending bucks the the courageous Dean candidates who are running in races where candidates have not had opponents in years?
I really hope the are not giving money to encumbants in safe races instead of helping those who are running in races no one else had the guts to try.

[NewJeffCT]

5. Well, Pelosi was in Connecticut recently

Nancy Pelosi was here to promote Jim Sullivan for Congress in the 2nd district of Connecticut in his recent primary victory over McNally. The incumbent here is a RepubliCON named Rob Simmons who is now in his second term and most polls indicate he is vulnerable. The Dems are targeting this seat as a potential pick-up.

The second district in CT is basically the eastern, more rural, half of the state, but also includes the two big Indian casinos and does have some growing communities and the naval sub base in Groton. They have a history of close races as well - several years back, this same seat was decided by 2 votes. I'd say there are a lot of blue-collar Democrats in the district

[Triana]

7. Excellent!

...this is putting it to good use. From what I read, he was going to do this, and also donate to the DNC, etc.

If he wins, he'll (and we'll) want a Dem majority in at least one house, or else he'll hit a brick wall of Repigs every time he tries to do (or undo) anything.