Heitkamp Lagging Behind Other Democrat Women In Fundraising

Tweet

Written By:
Rob Port

Aug 16, 2012
6:54pm

In a story about female Democrat Senate candidates enjoying strong fundraising, Politico flags North Dakota liberal Heidi Heitkamp as lagging in the cash race:

In North Dakota, Heidi Heitkamp has raised about $1.8 million less than GOP Rep. Rick Berg in their battle over the seat held by retiring Democrat Kent Conrad. Heitkamp, who has trailed Berg in recent polls, has tried to put some distance between herself and the left. She’s skipping next month’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte and hasn’t asked EMILY’s List for their endorsement.

That stuff about Heitkamp not soliciting money from far-left groups like EMILY’s List is pure bunk. Heitkamp was hurt during her 2000 race for governor when news of contributions from those sort of groups was made public. She’s smarter this time around. Groups EMILY’s List and Planned Parenthood are still offering plenty of support for Heitkamp, but in oblique ways.

But I digress.

The key to winning this race for Heitkamp has always been convincing the national liberal money people that she’s competitive. That her race is worth their investment because she can win. That’s why the Heitkamp campaign and the state Democrat party has invested so much money into polling showing her competitive, and even beating, Republican Rick Berg.

But actions speak louder than words. North Dakota is a cheap, cheap political market. A political contribution here, because of the small media market, will go a lot further than it would in a place like California or Massachusetts. Yet, the Senate seat Heitkamp is equal in power and influence to one from a more populated state.

So the fact that Heitkamp is millions behind her opponent in fundraising, and watching as her fellow female Democrats perform a lot better on the fundraising circuit, speaks to national liberal money interests who aren’t at all convinced she can win here.

Money doesn’t always win races, but in so far as it is a metric for enthusiasm about a candidate, Heitkamp is in a lot of trouble.