Where Does the Money Go?

So my talk at the C&E conference will focus on Campaign Budgets and Spending (not exacly the most exciting thing -- but a vital thing, nonetheless ...)

In preparation, I created this handout. Let me know what I'm missing:

Where does money come from?

Direct Mail (high overhead)
o Raised _____
o Net _____

Events (high overhead)
o Raised _____
o Net _____

Personal Solicitation _____
o Raised _____
o Net _____

Finance Committee _____
o Raised _____
o Net _____

PAC's _____
o Raised _____
o Net _____

Total Raised _____

Total Net _____


Where Should the Money Go?

0 to 15% - Consultants

- 0 to 15% - Staff and Overhead (Depends on Strategy)

- 0 to 10% - Research (Depending on the size of the race & Strategy)

- 60 to 70% - Touching Voters

Note: Percentages are based on Net money. A congressional campaign could spend 20% on fundraising (including staff and consultants). A state house campaign, which raises most of its money through personal solicitation, can spend 5-10% on fundraising.

Rule 1: You can only spend NET dollars.

Rule 2: No campaign should spend less than 60% of its budget touching voters, and should shoot for closer to 70%.