Rebecca McClanahan, candidate for State Representative in District 3, is facing an uphill battle when it comes to fundraising. In every election since 2006, she's been out-raised by her opponent - sometimes by three times as much. This election season is no different.
The key to winning despite this deficit, however, is in the small donations.
"I treasure the small donations," said McClanahan. "Online fundraising has given a place of honor to small donations."
McClanahan cites this as an attitudinal difference between Democrats and Republicans. Seeking out these "small donors" forces her to do more grassroots fundraising while, in her opinion, Republicans neglect retail politics because they receive larger individual donations.
The focus on small contributions doesn't mean McClanahan is only fundraising at the grassroots level. She also seeks out PACs and lobbyists with legislative goals in line with hers. These organizations are not always in a giving mood however.
Rebecca cites two reasons for her difficulties securing funding from outside groups - the economy and plain old politics.
The Recession has put a strain on PACs and large donors, forcing them to choose where to contribute based solely on the demographic statistics of the district. McClanahan is at a disadvantage by the numbers because District 3 is seen as primarily Republican.
Politics also plays a role in her fundraising stress because large donors see the race as a risky investment due to the absence of an incumbent. In addition, changes in district lines after the 2010 Census have made the District even more strongly Republican. For more information on the redistricting rulings, see the video below.
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Rebecca and her campaign staff do have some suggestions for aspiring politicians raising funds in difficult districts.
First, ask the people around you. McClanahan said that you know you're ready to run when "you can turn to the person on your right and ask them for money and turn to the person on your left and ask them for money." Family and friends are great people to ask to throw a dinner or coffee on your behalf.
She also suggests asking for professional help. While most local candidates can't afford an experienced campaign manager, there are other means of learning how to fundraise. Seeking consultation and training will lead to more comfortable fundraising.
A third suggestion is to use technology to your advantage. Her campaign uses a service called ActBlue to collect funds through her website. The agency takes a small percentage of the donation as a service charge and in return presents the campaign with metrics and the necessary information for MEC filing, a bargain in McClanahan's mind.
McClanahan also suggests "just doing it." Using the phrase "ask and you will receive," she said the best way to get comfortable asking for contributions is to just start asking. It may take some time, but eventually it stops feeling like you're asking for money for yourself because the campaign becomes a cause, a higher purpose.
Campaign manager Zach Buckler suggests "dialing for dollars" in the morning and then knocking on doors in the afternoon to pursue an "all of the above" approach.
Check back next Thursday for Rebecca's thoughts on campaign contribution limits and an in-depth look at Missouri's position as only one of four states who currently impose no limits on donations.
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