| I'm working on an analysis of overlapping 2007 campaign contributions to Sen. Rockefeller and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02). Before I post it, there's a couple of things I'd like to point out. I also have a question for readers.
Here's the first thing I've noticed: it sure pays to be an incumbent.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who has never been seriously threatened with a challenger this cycle, received $2,552,219 in individual donations and $873,400 in PAC donations during 2007.
During that same time period Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) raised $266,140 from individuals and $243,730 from PACS.
Here's the second thing I want to point out: Rockefeller and Capito are opposite ends of the political spectrum. When you analyze their votes and stated positions on a full range of issues, you find that Rockefeller is the most liberal member of the West Virginia delegation and Capito the most Conservative.
In closing... we've got two opposing forces here. First, it is relatively easy for incumbents to raise money. Second, Rockefeller and Capito represent very different political constituencies. Despite Rockefeller's recent willingness to support the Bush administration on intelligence matters, his alignment with Bush policies comes nowhere close to trusty backbencher Republican Capito.
So, here's my question. How much fund-raising success do you think Capito has in getting money from Rockefeller donors? Would you guess that 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% or even more of Capito's campaign contributions come from Rockefeller donors?
In the next few days I'll share the answer and, what the heck, even name some names of joint donors. |
