from the new west blog: presidential election

Obama Outraises McCain in Reddest Idaho

In what may be America's most Republican state, Obama leads in fundraising.

By Jill Kuraitis, 7-28-08

The Idaho Statesman’s editorial page editor Kevin Richert has an attention-grabbing post about Idaho contributions in the presidential race.

Richert writes that the latest Federal Election Commission reports show that Sen. Barack Obama has raised more than Sen. John McCain from Idaho contributors, and the difference is significant.

Through June 30, Idahoans gave $375,586 to Barack Obama, the Democrats’ presumptive presidential nominee. Presumptive GOP nominee John McCain received $228,938.

Statewide, Mitt Romney — the preferred candidate of most leading Idaho Republicans — raised more than Obama and McCain combined. But the fact remains that Obama has raised 64 percent more than McCain in Idaho, with four months left in the election.

For the month of June, Obama raised $57,880 in Idaho. McCain raised $40,995. Even with Romney out of the picture as a presidential candidate, McCain trailed in fundraising in one of America’s most Republican states.

Richert parsed the numbers and discovered that even in zip codes starting with “836” which include Nampa, Meridian and Eagle – the redder outposts of the Treasure Valley – Obama raised more than McCain:  $43K to $30K.

Whether Obama will focus much effort or investment in Idaho remains doubtful to Richert, but he concludes:

Presidential election years tend to be big years for Idaho Republican candidates, who benefit from a heavy GOP-friendly turnout, and 2008 may yet follow the model. But a Democratic candidate — particularly one running for Legislature in Boise or for Ada County commissioner — has to be encouraged by Obama’s fundraising numbers. Republican candidates, meanwhile, have to be a little concerned about McCain.

[End of article]

Could Idaho become a purple state after such a long standing red stronghold? One can only hope!

Its all about the money - no matter who the "candidate" is...

Not sure I would 'completely' agree. In this state as long as a candidate has an R after their name, it has been largely an automatic pass. If it were not for the disaster known as George W. Bush, it would not matter how much money Obama had. The ONLY upside of the 8 year Bush disaster, is we will most certainly will have dynamic and progressive new president, and a person of color to boot!!!

Great to see that in Idaho. Mr. Risch has had to get money is from out of state individual ultra conservative republicans donors, groups and PAC's of senior republican U.S. Senators who are worried that seat is a toss-up.....
1. American Association for Justice:, $10,000
(Formerly; the Association of Trial Lawyers of America)
2. Battle Born, PAC by Sen. John Ensign, Nevada, $10,000
3. Bluegrass Committee,PAC by Sen. Mitch McConnell, Kentucky, $10,000
4. Campaign for America's Future, PAC by Sen. Orrin hatch, Utah, $10,000
5. Contran: is a holding company of Texas billionaire Harold Simmons, $10,000
6. Defend America PAC by Sen. Richard Shelby, Alabama, $10,000
7. Freedom Fund, PAC by Sen. Mike Crapo, Idaho, $10,000
8. National auto dealer assoc, overwhelming supports republicans, $10,000
9. Senate Majority Fund: PAC by Jon Kyle, Ariz., $10,000
10. Union Pacific, Cheney served as board member, $10,000

Risch is also self-financing approx, $380,000. Sen. Crapo's Freedom Fund PAC only had 5 donors from Idaho out of 75
18 from Virgina and 8 from the Virgin Islands.

Idaho political candidate money is predominantly from out of state
donors influencing our elections, that should concern every Idahoan

It would be interesting to see the number of individuals donating as well as the dollar amount. A few wealthy ideology-driven donors vs hundreds of small donations? Those who hitched their wagon to the (now exposed) criminal Bush Administration will be surprised by the results on the November election. Don't underestimate the anger people feel about the betrayal of America by the Republican Party and its supporters.