The Pundit Pearce
Every now and then Gary Pearce makes an observation that causes me to think, "Hmmmm, I wish I'd said that." And yesterday he did it again.
Campaign finance reform is happening. Not because of new laws, but because of the Internet. That’s the real story behind Barack Obama’s phenomenal fundraising totals in the second quarter. A lot of the money came in online. He built a base of hundreds of thousands of small contributors – nearly all of whom can give more, and more, and more in the months ahead.
The other campaigns are playing the old game: big-dollar events for big-dollar givers. That’s how the Clintons did it in the White House, that’s how they’re doing it now and that’s why they’re falling behind.
Of course, online fundraising works for Obama because he has energized grassroots givers. Not every candidate can do that.
This should be a healthy lesson for potential candidates – like a Grier Martin – for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. (Emphasis added.)
Some say Grier Martin doesn't have enough experience to run for Senate. Some say he'd have trouble raising the $10 to $15 million it would take to compete. I say both of those are non-issues. If Grier spends any more time in Raleigh, all he'll run the risk of picking up bad habits from the power-brokers in the Senate. And as to raising money? No worries. Everyone knows Liddy Dole is extremely vulnerable, and it really doesn't matter how much money she has. All we need is a good, thoughtful and moderate candidate like Grier Martin.
Martin 08!
I too am a big Martin fan. My hope is that he'll run, and in the process highlight a couple of key issues down at the Legislature. I do believe that he will need a very strong team in place to make the leap it will take to get him competitive. That said, from what I know of his past campaigning, Rep. Martin is a strong campaigner who knows where to put his resources.
I do think Rep. Martin will have to raise serious money, though. Dole may be vulnerable, but $15m can move perception. I think between his ability and likability, however, Democrats of both the "old game" and the new one will come to his aid, me included. He doesn't need to get to $15m, or maybe even $10m, but his financial capacity will still need to be significant.
O
Forgot to credit Ed Cone
for directing me to Pearce's blog. I don't usually read Pearce myself because you have to put up with his insufferable partner, Carter Wrenn.
Thanks, Ed.
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
Is Martin a "Fighting Dem"?
That is, I know he's in the reserves (or is it the NC National Guard?), but did he serve in Iraq or Afghanistan? If so, he would have an advantage in national fundraising that could boost him towards the "serious contender" threshold.
Also, imagine the folks who'd be ready to campaign for him. Jim Webb, Wes Clark, VoteVets, etc.
And I would almost guess that there are some institutional folks who, remembering how "insurgent" John Edwards bested D.G. Martin, and then bolted after one term, might decide to back a known quantity again -- someone with a clear interest in serving this state, rather than any larger ambition.
Or am I wrong that there's a family connection between D.G. and Grier?
details
DG Martin is Grier's father. A great piece that DG wrote after Grier won office in 2004 is available here
He is currently a major in the Army Reserve. After 9/11 Grier spent 2 years on active duty (he volunteered for it), and 6 months (?...more?) of that was spent in Afghanistan.
"Keep the Faith"
"Keep the Faith"
So Martin would be
a) a Netroots favorite, if he chooses,
b) a GWOT veteran, and
c) a Democrat with a pedigree.
He would be a strong contender in the primary, that's for sure (assuming anyone else runs). And a tour in Afghanistan would serve as a great counterweight to whatever cache remains in Dole's stint at the American Red Cross.
Downside: very little experience in office (he's starting his second term, right?). And youth sometimes helps, but he won't even have broken 40 by the time he runs, so that could be a drawback.
What's his profession?
he is a lawyer
as for the lack of experience, remember that Edwards, Faircloth and Helms had all never been in office before winning their elections.
"Keep the Faith"
"Keep the Faith"
I hadn't realized he was D. G. Martin's son.
That at least gives him a little name recognition.
My only hesitancy in backing him is that Dole's name recognition is always going to be a powerful force to overcome among people who don't follow politics closely (and hence don't know how unbelievably useless she's been to every citizen of NC). I think I'd still prefer Cooper, even though I've been annoyed by him a couple of times as AG, just because he's got a bit of star power. But if we can't get any of the old stable horses out of the barn, Martin is a great option.
I Rather Doubt That-
- all the high dollar money came in on line for him. Pretend I'm from Missouri and 'Show Me'.