A Club With No Dues?

When it comes to political money, Congressman are tightwads. As the Daily Kos reported today, it appears the DSCC is no better than the DCCC in coaxing money out of its membership for the efforts to regain a majority.

Just 21 of the 45 Senate Democrats have given any money to the DSCC. Only 4 of those gave $1 million. Clinton has amassed $22 million with no serious challenge in her Senate bid, and refuses to part with more. While Nelson has raised something like $15 million and isn’t spending a dime on the DSCC or on the Florida Democratic Party.

But what’s more disturbing is that 10 Senate Democrats gave $100,000 or less while 24 have given none. Just 1 in 4 Senate Democrats bothered to give more than $100K to the party’s efforts to gain a majority!

Of course, over in the House, they have a set of dues to pay into the DCCC based on your level of leadership within the party caucus. And even members who raise millions with few challengers during their tenure bother to pay their entire dues.

I know cash on hand can be important for vulnerable members, but it is really sad, especially in the Senate, that so few politicians are willing to part with enough cash to help finance the party’s efforts to win a majority. Isn’t that what everyone wants anyway?