The Once a Quarter Fundraiser?
Plagued for years by too many fundraisers and not enough time, lobbyists and candidates regularly complain about the bane of raising and giving money. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland has come up with a novel solution: the once per quarter fundraiser.
The Georgia Republican sent out an email to supporters Tuesday inviting them to his one, and only, fundraiser of the quarter on Dec. 7 at Bobby Van's Grill. Attendance at the event entitles each participant to a separate meeting with the congressman at their convenience.
If widely adopted, Westmoreland's approach could revolutionize the campaign fundraising landscape, which can see upwards of 200 fundraising events per week. What other changes could be made to the fundraising business? Email me your ideas and I'll post the best ones here.
UPDATE: David Donnelly of the Public Campaign Action fund questioned the legality of the fundraiser.
"He's literally saying, 'Give us money I'll meet with you.' If that's not illegal under campaign finance law, it ought to be," the campaign finance reform advocate said. "It is explicitly selling a meeting for money. When you attend a fundraiser there's no promise that you're going to get face time, that you're going to get a meeting."
I've put a call into the congressman's office and will update when I hear back.
Westmoreland's letter:
Dear friends,I recognize that you have a life outside of politics - family, friends, and home. I am sure that you receive dozens of invitations to breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. There is simply no way that you can fit them all in, and still have time to take your kids to soccer practice or cook dinner for your family. That is why I have decided to try to change the way I approach fundraising in DC.During this quarter I will have one event for the quarter. I am going to focus all of my energy on this event rather than hosting ten events and calling you multiple times over the quarter.I recognize that you, your PAC, or your clients may want a more personal conversation. To that end, your participation in my one quarterly event will also include a meeting of your choice outside of this event. That meeting will be at your discretion and convenience. Coffee, breakfast, dinner- let me know what works for you and we will accommodate.My belief is that we all need to work together in the most efficient way possible, and the current system is not working for anyone. My ONE quarterly event will take place on Wednesday, December 7th at 5:30PM at Bobby Van's Grill. I truly hope that you will support this idea and my campaign. Please RSVP to Monica Notzon at Bellwether Consulting Group ... and let us know if you would like to set up a meeting in the near future.I hope this will allow us all to focus on the serious issues facing our country and get to work.Best Regards,Congressman Lynn Westmoreland
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