Campaign Funding

Visibility, getting the word out, being able to talk in ten seconds to get a message to the public, is the goal of politicians. To gain media exposure is costly but necessary to have a successful campaign.

For example, Mr. Politician’s field is foreign policy issues. He is a master spokesman often quoted in the newspapers. He needs to maintain that 30 second spot adjacent to the football game or the popular TV show. This is a priority. He must generate funds. The most an individual can contribute to a campaign is no more than $20,000 to a national party, $5,000 to a political action committee, and $2000 to a candidate.

This amount is not going to make a dent in the expense of exposure. In order for Mr. Politician to stay in the race he must go on a fund-raising tour. In the name of democracy, he will obtain a back load of funds one way or another.

The fund-raiser is a Washington institution. Charging over $500 a plate a norm during one of these functions. Special interest groups also donate large chunks of money to campaigns. It’s as if these groups are actually buying a piece of the politician. In most cases they are because the individuals running for office usually feel obligated to some degree.

“Where’s the Money?” is the problem with political campaigns, the Federal Election Commission was put in place to enforce the laws of the campaign finance system but there are always loopholes. The influential private industries are always happy to donate, but at what cost to the public?