Fund-Raising Frenzy: Obama Boosts Democratic Contributions in Texas, Tea Party Struggles Financially, and Members of Congress Rush Home to Raise Cash

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to bolster Democratic efforts in Texas, President Barack Obama will make separate stops in Dallas and Austin to raise funds for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic National Committee. Meanwhile, the Tea Party movement is facing financial struggles despite its high level of enthusiasm and media coverage. Additionally, members of Congress are seizing the opportunity to fund-raise during the August recess in their home states.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Barack Obama will raise funds for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic National Committee in Texas, prompting complaints from local party leaders that national Democratic leaders neglect state candidates.
  • The Center for Responsive Politics data shows that the state Democratic parties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan received more than Texas Democrats in the 2008 campaign cycle from national leaders.
  • The Tea Party movement has struggled financially, with many local groups failing to meet their financial goals, despite training from a nonprofit organization that teaches conservative grassroots groups how to influence politics.
  • A Tea Part-related political action committee has closed shop due to financial struggles.
  • The August recess is a crucial time for members of Congress to fund-raise in their home states, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalling members to vote on a state aid package.
  • Embattled Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) received a $42,000 transfer from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on July 1.

Statistics:

  • The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee transferred $42,000 to Sen. Blanche Lincoln's campaign on July 1.
  • Numbers kept by the Center for Responsive Politics show that the state Democratic parties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan received more than Texas Democrats in the 2008 campaign cycle from national leaders.
  • A survey or study cited in the text did not break down specific numbers or results.

Sources:

  • San Antonio Express News
  • Politico
  • The Hill
  • Center for Responsive Politics press@crp.org