“There’s a large number of donors who give to both candidates but this time they may give to one. They will contribute but they won’t contribute to as many people,” he said. “Why give money to a candidate, even if you like them, who might not be able to win?”

Candidates will look at every way to raise money and some may try to replicate the success of Internet fundraising by others.

“They may not have as much success but they will be doing everything they can. This is especially true for legislative races because there isn’t much excitement around these races, so it’s harder to raise money.” Aistrup said.

Beatty said the new ways may come slower in Kansas because some candidates don’t want to invest time in something they fear may not pay off.

“Most of the candidates will be picking up the phone but they certainly should be paying more attention to online fundraising,” he said.

Next year will be a crowded ballot with races for U.S. Senate, Congress, governor, attorney general, state treasurer, insurance commissioner, State Board of Education and 125 state House seats.

“If you’re on a Republican donor list, you are going to be getting a call a day. A lot of donors will be hit up by a lot of different people,” Beatty said. “A combination of a tough economy and a lot of candidates asking for money is going to make it harder.”

Democrats next year will be without their top fundraiser, Kathleen Sebelius, who resigned as governor to become U.S. secretary of health and human services.

“I would anticipate Democrats will find it harder to raise money mainly because they don’t have tested statewide candidates to fill the seats,” Aistrup said. “It starts with viable candidates and viable candidates will still find it harder in tough times.”

Dan Lykins, state Democratic Party treasurer, said his party still is benefiting from Sebelius’ fundraising efforts over the years. But he said it’s going to take more than past deeds for success next year.

“The party is going to have to come up with candidates who look like winners,” Lykins said. “If we have the right person running, we will have people making good, substantial donations, even in this economy. Now, we have to get the right people.”