Some early thoughts about fundraising

My apologies to anyone who has been checking in here, only to discover I hadn't yet gotten into the swing of frequent blog entries. That won't be the case any longer (knock on wood!).

Even though a lot has been happening, it's hard to believe it's already been almost six weeks since the campaign launch in Frederick. There's so much to do in a county-wide campaign like this, especially if you're determined not to leave any stone unturned. I know the schedule and daily to-do list will only get more demanding as the months pass and election day nears, but at this point, there's so much involved in simply getting all the basic pieces in place that I look forward to a more predictable routine, if that's possible!

Below are a few thoughts and an update about one important element of the campaign.

Fundraising

I'm just starting to get used to the idea of fundraising for months on end.

Beyond the fact that I'd rather not have to put time and effort into raising money for the campaign, I think we'd all be better off if it wasn't necessary.

If most people were reasonably interested and informed, it would be possible for candidates to put together an informative website, produce and distribute a modest amount of written materials, participate in some public forums and debates, respond to the question and answer pieces for local newspapers, reply to individual emails and phone calls, and that would suffice. It wouldn't cost a great deal, and anyone who wanted to know a little or a lot would have easy access to all the information they needed.

Alas...that's not the way things are.

Of course, there are all sorts of things that are part of a well-run campaign that cost little or nothing (including the items listed above). And there are many ways to be thrifty and efficient with various items that require a financial investment. But, when you add it all up, there are costs that can't be avoided, and more than a few that are worth making if the money is there. Among other things, the list includes printing and mailing, bumper stickers and yard signs, a few (well produced and well timed) newspaper and radio ads, telephone charges, some basic office supplies, possible fees for certain facilities, and - if we are fortunate enough to get a great deal somewhere - perhaps an office space for a campaign headquarters.

It's difficult to anticipate how much money the campaign would need to compete effectively on various fronts this year. Four years ago, John Lovell Jr. raised roughly $50,000.00 for his campaign for Frederick County Commissioner. Bruce Reeder and Mike Cady each raised nearly $40,000.00. These were the three highest totals, all three candidates won, and Lovell and Cady are running for re-election this year.

Jan Gardner and Charles Jenkins each raised a bit more than $30,000.00. Gardener won re-election, and Jenkins finished sixth.

It's noteworthy that the four candidates who spent the most, won. The only exception was incumbent commisioner John L. Thompson, Jr., who raised just less than $10,000.00, and won re-election (and was the top vote-getter).

There are a lot of ways to interpret that information, of course. But, if nothing else, it suggests that it could be very helpful if we could do well in this category, and not cede a significant advantage when it comes to some of the key campaign options that can't be easily replaced with creative alternatives, hard work and a lot of dedicated volunteers.

So, while I wish we could (all of the candidates) conduct a campaign without money - and there is a lot we can do that won't require money - there's no doubt that financial support is important, if not vital.

The two incumbents who have already declared their candidacy (Cady and Lovell) had approximately $27,000 in the bank between them at the beginning of the year. Even if we aren't trying to "fight money with money," it would be helpful to close that gap.

Clearly, if we run a strong campaign, and I'm widely perceived as a solid, if not frontrunning candidate, it will get easier to raise money later, when the campaign for county commissioner gathers steam, we get the website filled up, there are polished and informative printed materials, we've had more press coverage, and we get closer to the real "campaign season," when more people and media are paying attention, But that's all the more reason why it's important to get early contributions from folks who already know something about me, have a sense of why I'm running, and are already supportive of the campaign.

So, while there are many other ways in which you can help my campaign for the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners, please consider writing a check to support the campaign...today!

Some people are willing and/or able to contribute more than others, of course. Be as generous as your budget and motivation suggest is right for you, but please don't think it isn't worth the trouble if you're only able - or ready - to make a small contribution. Any and every contribution is important! Every contribution is greatly appreciated.

It all adds up.

If you would like to contribute, please go to this page: http://www.kaihagen.com/Donate/

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Fundraising Update

The "bad news" is that $50,000.00 is a lot of money to raise.

The good news is that it can be done, with your help!

The campaign has yet to engage in any organized or widespread fundraising. That will begin shortly, though gradually, and in a variety of forms.

And yet, in the first six weeks, we've been able to get a good start, raising $7,380.00 from thirty-seven early contributors!

By coincidence, that's just about the pace we would need to maintain through the general election to meet our goal of $50,000.00. It's a little misleading, however, since that initial burst includes contributions from friends and family, such as a total of $2,250 from my mother, my uncle and my sister!

I don't want to focus too much on money, either in the broader campaign or in this blog. But I will be open and direct about our goals and our progress.

Return to the BLOG home page.

If you have any thoughts, ideas or questions about campaign fundraising, send me an email anytime.

If you have any questions, please email them to me. If you'd like to receive each blog entry by email, send an email (even a blank one) with "Blog" as the subject line.

WHY I'M VOTING FOR KAI!

Diana Halleman
Frederick

I haven't known Kai personally for long, but I often read his columns in the Gazette and his commentary in the FRAN news. I've been impressed with his knowledge, and his dedication and commitment to Frederick County and its citizens. I'm also impressed with his ability to listen and to ask questions of those around him and those he meets along the way. His knowledge of the issues and attention to detail are as notable as is his ability to...

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