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Obama campaign helping DNC to retire debt
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During his succesful presidential campaign, Sen. Barack Obama set records by raising more than $600 million from more than three million contributors, mostly small donors. Now the Obama campaign is asking its supporters to help the Democratic National Committee (DNC) retire its campaign debt.
When former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was elected DNC chairman after his failed bid for the 2004 presidential nomination, he implemented the 50-state strategy, under which Democrats have organized in every state, conceding nothing to the Republicans. In some areas, it had been the first serious Democratic campaign effort in years. The strategy began to pay off in 2006, when the Democrats won majorities in both houses of Congress.
For 2008, this effort, which included placing party staff in every state, training field organizers and building the technology to reach as many swing voters as possible, was increased, and was fully embraced by the Obama campaign. The strategy was again successful, with Obama elected, Democrats increasing their majorities in both houses of Congress, and Democratic gains at the state level. But in going all out for victory, the DNC, as often happens in political campaigns, went into considerable debt, according to an e-mail sent by Obama campaign manager David Plouffe to supporters on Nov. 12.
"The DNC's 50-state field strategy was crucial to our campaign's success, as well as victories for Democrats up and down the ballot," said Plouffe. "Their organizing infrastructure allowed us to compete -- and win -- in states that seemed insurmountable just four years ago. They took out substantial loans to make it happen. The DNC didn't hold back, and now, neither can we."
Plouffe asked supporters to donate to the DNC through the Obama campaign website, asserting that "before we do anything else, we need to help pay for this winning strategy. We'll get to work transforming this country. But first, we need to take care of the DNC."
Those who donate $30 or more will receive a commemorative 2008 Obama victory t-shirt.
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