The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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June 21, 2009

Kansas: Economy makes fund raising harder

The Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. — Sometimes it’s called “shaking the money tree” or “dialing for dollars.” But whatever the name, it’s about candidates looking for money to finance their campaigns.

The 2010 campaign season comes as the nation digs itself from the depths of recession and people clutch their money tighter than ever. For some candidates, the money simply won’t be there.

Last week, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh called it quits with his Republican campaign for governor because he wasn’t getting the money he needed to face U.S. Sen. Brownback. He said he would have needed at least $4 million to make it through the August primary and millions more to win in November.

“Fundraising is very difficult right now, with the economy as it stands today,” Thornburgh said. “You’ve seen the average contribution dropping.”

Bob Beatty, Washburn University political science professor, said the impact of the economy is going to be felt mainly by candidates with little name recognition or chance of winning.

“The candidate with the good name recognition will have to work a little harder, but they will be able to raise the money,” he said.

Another factor is the amount of attention a particular race generates.

“There are races that become more heated and competitive and the money will flow to them whether the economy is good or bad,” said Joe Aistrup, Kansas State University political science professor.

For instance, in the 1st District, six Republicans want to replace Congressman Jerry Moran who wants to replace Brownback, who’s retiring after two terms. The seat is especially appealing because historically those elected stay until they decide to leave.

Two top contenders are Sens. Tim Huelskamp, of Fowler, and Jim Barnett, of Emporia. Each maintains the economy isn’t hurting their fundraising efforts.

“With rare exception, people have been willing to donate and support the campaign,” Barnett said. “I do have supporters who have asked that I call them later so they can give more.”

Huelskamp says he’s been leading in fundraising, which he said helps convey a winning image.

“I think being in front is going to help and people are going to want to vote for someone with a proven conservative voting record,’ he said.

Tim Shallenburger, former GOP state chairman and state treasurer, has seen his share of campaigns as observer and participant. He said times are tough and people want to spend their money on winners.

“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.”

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