Lieberman's Top Fundraisers Leaving

[Freddie Stubbs]

More May Follow in Campaign Shake-Up

The top fundraiser at the presidential campaign of Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) resigned her position yesterday and her deputy made plans to quit after a weekend of turmoil inside the campaign over how to cut costs and put Lieberman into position to compete with better-funded rivals for the Democratic nomination.

Despite a personal plea from the candidate over the weekend, finance director Shari Yost stepped down from her position yesterday, and Democratic sources said her deputy, Jennifer Yocham, also intends to resign her post and that several mid-level staffers could follow them.

Lieberman's press secretary, Jano Cabrera, described the personnel changes as part of an effort to "build on that success" of fundraising in the second quarter "and tighten our expenses at the same time. Craig Smith, our campaign director, and Shari Yost, our finance director, each had a different vision for how to do that." Cabrera said that, after a transition period, Yost will become a senior adviser to the campaign.

The sudden shake-up came as Lieberman prepared to report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that his campaign raised $5.1 million in the second quarter and spent approximately $2.8 million, leaving him with about $4 million in cash -- or fifth place among the nine Democratic candidates.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55935-2003Jul14.html

[searchingforlight]

1. Sometimes it is hard to see the writing on the wall.

[northernsoul]

2. sit down before you fall down, Joe

You've been a good and faithful servant to the American people as a senator, but the presidential nomination isn't going to happen for you. Get out of this race while you still have some dignity and credibility.

[GBD4]

3. Surprising, no?

Though I know most DUers don't seem to be Lieberman folks, wouldn't most of you have expected Lieberman to do better in this race? Given his name recognition and position on a ticket that already won :) I would've also thought fundraising would be easier for him? He really has yet to get traction in this race.

[Larkspur]

4. As a Connecticut resident, I'm not surprised at Lieberman's mediocrity

He's got NO CHARISMA.

The only way he would have been the leader is if he had no competition.