Political help needed

[tiredtoo]

In working with a candidate for state senate i came across an article in a lightly distributed periodical detailing some donations to my candidate from somewhat shady characters. Three or four individuals some of which have served time in jail and or under house arrest.
This data was not used against my candidate in the primary but i am convinced it will be used by the Republican running against her in upcoming election.
Looking for methods and so on to use in tempering these facts. I had thought of nipping this in the bud by giving open knowledge of it before it can be used and or using a tactic similar to the tactic used by President Obama in his reverend wright defense.
Any and all thoughts will be appreciated and discussed.
Thank you

[greatlaurel]

1. No experience in political campaigns, so I have nothing to suggest.

Seems to me any politician that takes contributions faces this issue. The party should have suggestions on how to deal with this. If the party does not, then what the heck good is the organization.

I hope you are getting some good advice. Very interesting post.

[Sunlei]

2. all donations are already open knowledge/listed in public.

IMO, the Republican would love for someone to go on the defensive. Give free publicity, tie "your candidate" to the character of people who give legal donations.

You're "working with" this candidate? Please ask the candidate.

[Chan790]

3. Get ahead of it.

Put yourself in a position where if the GOP tries to use it, you can say you've never tried to hide that these people are donors or what their past was...but that that they served their time and that they aren't getting special treatment or favors for their money; they, like you, simply feel that your candidate is the best person for the job. Above all, discuss strategy with your candidate...it's their campaign, they're responsible for the tone and content of it.

It's fair play if they bring it up to counter with discussion about where the GOP gets its money and whose interests they're beholden to.

[DavidDvorkin]

5. That's good advice.

[tiredtoo]

4. Thanks for the replies

we are brainstorming and i was just looking for additional thoughts. thank you for your insights.