The $100 Million Race - How Money Can Be a Predictor of the Outcome of the of the Race in '08

Despite a common belief, it's not necessarily the rule that 'he who raises the most money will therefore win elections.' In 2000, John Kerry's campaign had hit broke to the point where the candidate mortgaged his own house to continue his campaign, at a time when the money reserves of his chief opponent, Howard Dean, seemed endless.

In 1992, and then again in 1996, The Clinton/Gore ticked raised less than their republican rivals, yet still wound out winning smashing victories first against a sitting president, and then against a foe who raised over $12 million more. For the first time in history since records have been kept of political donations, the Democratic field is outpacing the Republicans in what is commonly referred to as 'the money race,' an arbitrary test to determine the victor, which is almost as wrong as it is accurate.

What is significant about the Democrat's lead is not the amount, but the mere fact that they are in the lead at all.

The Democrat's ability to raise funds where Republicans, most notably Arizona Senator John McCain, have fallen short is an indication that compounds the message that American's sent to Washington following the 2006 midterm election: "We want a change."

Scandal followed by indignity, political back-scratching followed by quid pro quo, trading the environment for oil money, and wagging a war in Iraq while ignoring the greater threat of international terrorism has led to Americans opening their check books for the party opposite of that which has led for nearly seven years.

Where Americans put their money, they more often than not put their votes.

When the 'Dean Machine' produced astounding results in online fundraising in 1999 and 2000, it pioneered medium and laid the Democrat's fundraising strategy for the new millennium; Small Donations, where they far outpace their Republican rivals, who are ahead in the $2000+ range of donations.

Simply stated, by enticing more small donations Democrats have a larger source of future funding. The personal contribution limit to a campaign is $2300. By soliciting $25, $200, and $1000 donations, there remains room for repeat donations from the same supporters.

While Republicans artfully receive top dollar donations from the party faithful, rich-class society, and big business, their financial resources may run out more quickly than that of their rival's.