Most effective donation strategy for 2016 election?
July 20, 2016 1:48 PM   Subscribe

If I am in a position to make the maximum legal donation to the Clinton campaign this year, should I worry about timing it for best effect?

It's my (vague) understanding that the campaign funds for the primary and the general election are compartmentalized, and I can theoretically make the maximum donation in each one. Since the nomination is already locked up, should I delay my donation until after the convention?

Or am I grossly overthinking this plate of beans?
posted by murphy slaw to Work & Money (8 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
My understanding is that until the candidate's nomination is official, which won't happen till the Democratic convention, you can make the maximum donation for the primaries and then donate again after the official nomination.

If you're planning on just doing the one donation, I don't think it matters.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 1:53 PM on July 20, 2016


I'd say wait until there's a particular need. The campaign still has a few tens of millions of dollars in cash on hand; they can comfortably outspend Trump for months without feeling your $2700 either way. Chip in some time around September or October when things start to heat up.
posted by fifthrider at 3:02 PM on July 20, 2016


I'd say wait until there's a particular need. The campaign still has a few tens of millions of dollars in cash on hand; they can comfortably outspend Trump for months without feeling your $2700 either way. Chip in some time around September or October when things start to heat up.

My understanding is that this is bad advice. You should donate as early as possible. Fifthrider, have you worked on a political campaign?
posted by andoatnp at 3:21 PM on July 20, 2016 [1 favorite]


Best answer: By trying to time your donation, you are second-guessing the campaign. Do you have some reason to believe they are not budgeting the campaign properly over time?
posted by SemiSalt at 5:07 PM on July 20, 2016 [3 favorites]


Donate early and often! Or in your case, donate early. I do not think fifthrider's advice is what you should follow.
posted by c'mon sea legs at 5:38 PM on July 20, 2016


Best answer: By "maximum legal donation", do you mean $2700 or $5400?

If $2700, it doesn't much matter.

If $5400, do $2700 right now this minute. It is still primary season. Then do $2700 in a month.
posted by Etrigan at 6:19 PM on July 20, 2016


Best answer: Not quite what you're asking, but if you're planning on maxing out (and it sounds like you are), you could purchase a ticket to a swanky HRC-fundraising event. Probably get a picture with her or a high-profile surrogate, if you'd be into that!
posted by kylej at 11:01 PM on July 20, 2016


Best answer: > You should donate as early as possible.

The saying goes that Early money is like yeast; it makes the dough rise. That's why EMILY's list is named so; it's an acronym.
posted by Sunburnt at 10:38 AM on July 21, 2016 [1 favorite]


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