Hiring a Fund-raiser
By Karen Fanning

	Graphic: © 2004 KRT

Now that you've declared your candidacy, it's time to hit the campaign trail in search of the one thing that's almost as important as votes: money. You will need to raise large sums of cash if you hope to someday call 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home.

Your first order of business is to assemble a team of fund-raisers—a network of friends and supporters who are committed to raising the extraordinary sums of money you will need to run a successful campaign.

Their assignment? To persuade people with deep pockets to contribute money to your campaign. Your fund-raisers must not only be able to make a convincing pitch,they must also be well-connected to other people who share your vision for America.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has raised about $33 million, and has spent all but about $2 million of it. At the end of March, Kerry will start a six-week, 20-city tour. He hopes to raise $15 to $20 million. His goal is to raise $65 million more by the end of July. But his haul is peanuts compared to President Bush's take. He has raised over $150 million. President Bush's goal is to raise at least $170 million in private funds to finance his bid for a second term.

Your team of fund-raisers will spread the word about your candidacy through phone calls, mailings, and Web sites. Thanks to the McCain-Feingold law, single donations cannot exceed $2,000. Since you will be required to raise millions and millions of dollars, your fund-raisers will have their work cut out for them. But they can't do it alone.

You, too, will be a vital member of the fundraising team. You will be expected to attend lunches, dinners, and other events organized by your fund-raisers. At these functions, you will have an opportunity to speak directly to potential donors, sharing your political views and appealing for their financial support.

Running a campaign is a costly operation, so don't be surprised if the money flows out faster than it pours in. After all, the bills have to be paid, and the list of expenses is endless: television ads, computers, phones, salaries, office supplies, and travel, just to name a few. A campaign is pay as you go, too. No credit allowed!

So before you start writing your acceptance speech, get to work organizing a top-notch fundraising team to fill up your piggybank! (And spend those dollars wisely.)