Lesson Learned from the Primary: It's OUR money you're spending!

[rucky]

Lobbyists, mistresses, republican hacks. Advisors with dubious backgrounds and vague job descriptions. Millions of our donor dollars.

More than one candidate used poor judgement with our campaign dollars, and we - the supporters of these candidates - never really held them accountable. For the most part, we were pretty uncritical when it came to writing checks for the candidates we supported. But when you think about all the money that got pissed away - for what? It's pretty upsetting, and not in a "concern troll" sort of way - more like "why wasn't I more concerned when it came to the candidate(s) I supported?" I think all the candidates played it pretty loose with the cash - to varying degrees - to compete against other Dems. But how much of that was necessary? With 20 debates, we could really get to know the candidates at no cost to them. Alot of Obama donors in the primary are now tapped out. Could he have won if it weren't for all the money he spent? Since it's all Dems, and we're all about finance reform (right?), couldn't we have agreed to run it a bit tighter and leave K-Street out of it?

The whole thing seems pretty wasteful, looking back. But we all got caught up in the fever in our support, and forgot to demand transparency and care in the way they spent their campaign money. Our fault.

[AllentownJake]

1. Democracy is actually pretty cheap

If you compare it to other things American spend their money on. 500 billion on gambling if you include the state lotterie every year.

[rucky]

2. It's not about the money we give.

as much as how it's being used. Lottery money is probably the most transparent and tightly controlled - part of the deal the states make to even be able to hold one.

[AllentownJake]

3. FEC reports

I remember during the primary everyone going through Hillary Clinton's expenses everytime a new report came out. Every dollar she spent was accounted for in the report and all the donors are listed over $200.

The reason we know how much his mistress was paid is because of the reporting.

[rucky]

4. True, we know.

But the only people who seemed to care were the dems supporting the other candidate.

I just wish we (I) were a bit more critical before writing those checks.

[AllentownJake]

6. Its kind of a wierd thing

Your opponent will look at your expenses more than your supporters. Its kind of a control as well.

[PresidentObama]

5. I donated $500+ to the Edwards campaign, and don't regret a dime.

It was long after his affair, and during my involvement in his campaign as a volunteer and supporter.

And I don't regret anything.