A dubious achievement
Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian's congressional campaign sent out an e-mail alert yesterday bragging about how Avakian "had raised $195,000 in the latest reporting period of his campaign for Congress, the highest initial quarter for any candidate running for the U.S. House in Oregon history."
Not only was it not true, but what kind of statement is that, particularly coming from a Democrat? "I've got a lot of money behind me." Gee whiz, Brad, tell your writers to save that line for a wonky meetup somewhere. For some of us it's a major turnoff.
| Posted at 7:48 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (7)
Maybe he's trying to intimidate somebody.
Posted by boycat | July 15, 2011 8:00 AM
Boy, when the Dems wind up with Dr. Wu as the nominee they are really going to regret not using instant runoff voting in the primary.
If there are as many candidates for that primary as it seems there will be, the majority of Dems will vote for someone other than Wu, but a sitting Congressman, no matter how deranged, is always going to get a chunk of votes for re-nomination, and with the plurality rules used, he is likely to win nomination, even if 70% of the Dems wanted to nominate someone else.
Posted by George Anonymuncule Seldes | July 15, 2011 8:39 AM
Why would fundraising be a turn-off? In order to defeat Wu, at least one Democrat is going to have to raise a whole lot of money. There's no public financing available, so it seems the alternative to raising a boatload of money is just to be a boutique, albeit principled, candidate - who doesn't actually have a chance of winning.
Avakian isn't my favorite of the Ds who will (likely) run, but absent public financing, this is American politics.
Posted by Miles | July 15, 2011 8:42 AM
We can all agree Jim Henson died way too early.
Raising money is one thing. Crowing about how great you are at it is another.
Posted by boycat | July 15, 2011 8:51 AM
This release is specifically to make anyone else that wants to run in the primary think twice about it. This is a level-set: if you can't raise that kind of dough, don't even declare.
It's the Mitt Romney strategy.
Posted by MachineShedFred | July 15, 2011 10:36 AM
It's a reflection of a moronic BSD mentality. Not a good sign. Same ol' same ol'. The only thing really progressive about Oregon these days is the speed of its self-demolition.
Posted by Mojo | July 15, 2011 3:04 PM
The only one he's trying to intimidate is Susan Bonamici who is also considering a run for the seat. David Wu still has a core of supporters and will win by a plurality in a three-way race. If Bonamici stays out, its only Avakian against Wu and Avakian has a very good chance of winning. That's why Avakian is hoping that a good showing in early fund raising will discourage Bonamici.
Posted by Arne | July 16, 2011 11:30 AM