That’s what the New York Times is suggesting. In rhetoric at least, both John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) are attempting to take the high road and eschewing negative campaigning. To that end, it is expected that 527 organizations will be less of a factor in presidential politics this year than in 2004. Obama has explicitly asked donors to avoid supporting such organizations. McCain, however, is not having anywhere near the success that Obama is scaring up campaign cash. So according to NYT, he reportedly will be relying on the Republican National Committee to do some heavy lifting as the general election campaign heats up. RNC has been the sole fund-raising success story for Republicans thus far in the 2008 cycle. Its counterpart DNC has been spending more of its money on grassroots campaigns in each and every state, battleground or not, and at the same time, it has not been as successful raising cash since so many Democratic donors have been using their wallets to support Obama, Hillary Clinton (D-NY) or other candidates.
Meanwhile, an impasse over filling four of six commissioner seats at the Federal Election Commission may be nearing an end, as controversial nominee Hans Von Spakovsky has again requested that his name be withdrawn. Democrats have vociferously objected to him based on his alleged efforts at voter suppression. A quorum is needed so the various campaigns can get advisory opinions on the legality of advertising and fundraising practices, among other things.
RBR/TVBR observation: We find it hard to imagine money in the hands of a political operative not being spend, whether the operative is directly aligned with a candidate or not. Look for any such cash to find its way into the system one way or another.
