How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

Campaign finances are big money, so I am questioning how much of a message $25- $50 donation here and there makes? I (and most of us) will never be able to compete with corporations and most organizations.

While it isn’t a huge dent in my finances, the amount I have donated to pro-poker causes this year is about what I spend on my kid for Christmas each year.

Is it worth it? I have mixed feelings:

- Not a lot of people feel strongly enough to donate to a political cause/ politician so we stand out.
- Our money is couch change compared to some other avenues politicians have.

Honestly I have no idea.

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

One person's donation does not make a difference but, 1,000,000 people's donation can turn the tide.

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

Interesting question.

For impact though, I would think if 500-1000 poker players all donated 25.00 each in a 24 hour period with a note about poker, that may make an impact, more so than a PAC donating an equal amount.

Something for us to think about as time draws nearer to getting legislation passed.

obg

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

I had a similar question regarding charity donations. What good is my $50 donation to a large charity that may be supported by Bill and Melinda Gates? So I called up a charity and they told me slightly more than half of their "income" is from small donors like me. Probably similar for political donations.

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

I'd say it's making an increasingly large difference, especially when small donations come in large numbers. Every quarter during the election season (seemingly all the time these days), campaigns announce their fundraising totals; These last few years, small donations from hundreds of thousands of individual donors are getting alot of notice. This is true far more so in democratic circles than republican but I think both parties are trying to court individuals more and more.

While one single donation won't turn any heads, a concerted effort to drive funds one way or the other can raise significant capital. Without endorsing one general political view or the other, I would direct anyone interested in the power of small donations in politics to visit ActBlue. Their banner says they've raised over $30 Million since 2004 and they've been very successful at creating competitive races in formerly "safe" districts. I'd guess the average donation to a particular candidate is well under $100.

I haven't been following the Poker legislation closely but my guess is that the primary proponents are Dems. If so, then someone may want to create a list of poker friendly candidates at ActBlue and see how much the 2P2 community can raise. It may get noticed.

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

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... someone may want to create a list of poker friendly candidates at ActBlue and see how much the 2P2 community can raise. It may get noticed.

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Got a lot of money for Kyl's opponent last time. I'd be willing to give again if we can find a suitable candidate or two. Maybe an "up for grabs" seat where the incumbent is pro-UIGEA???

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

[ QUOTE ]

Is it worth it? I have mixed feelings:

- Not a lot of people feel strongly enough to donate to a political cause/ politician so we stand out.
- Our money is couch change compared to some other avenues politicians have.

Honestly I have no idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/index.php

http://webringamerica.com/4/pokerpla...ance/index.php

They have forums for every state. Many of which show politicians opinions on online poker

Check it

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Is it worth it? I have mixed feelings:

- Not a lot of people feel strongly enough to donate to a political cause/ politician so we stand out.
- Our money is couch change compared to some other avenues politicians have.

Honestly I have no idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/index.php

http://webringamerica.com/4/pokerpla...ance/index.php

They have forums for every state. Many of which show politicians opinions on online poker

Check it

[/ QUOTE ]

https://pokerplayersalliance.org/new...le.php?DID=237 and https://pokerplayersalliance.org/new...le.php?DID=289

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

USAToday, Arod gave Giuliani 2400. Wish he would put in a good word for us.

Re: How much does a $25-$50 donation matter to politicians?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Interesting question.

For impact though, I would think if 500-1000 poker players all donated 25.00 each in a 24 hour period with a note about poker, that may make an impact, more so than a PAC donating an equal amount.

Something for us to think about as time draws nearer to getting legislation passed.

obg

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I really like this idea. Does anyone else think this could be affective. If this gets organized, sign me up.