NY-26: Jon Powers In Denial About His Campaign Contributions
by Matt at Jul 26th, 2008
Over the past few weeks, a few of us have been calling attention to the fact that a large portion of Jon Powers‘ campaign cash is coming from everywhere but within his district or his state… and it appears Powers is trying to cover up the truth about who’s funding his campaign:
Powers said he was a teacher and a soldier, and not a millionaire. He said his campaign relies on donations, and he has raised about $900,000 so far. About 80 percent of his donors give less than $100, and 67 percent give less than $50. Powers said the donors were everyday Western New Yorkers.
Perhaps he meant “everyone but Western New Yorkers” not “everyday Western New Yorkers.” Or maybe he thinks strip-club owners like Rick Snowden are everyday Western New Yorkers?
That’s demagoguery. Read what he said again, and then explain what you’re talking about. He doesn’t have to itemize the donations under $200. The big money may come from strip club owners and outsiders, but the small grassroots-type donations come from locals.
About 80 percent of his donors give less than $100, and 67 percent give less than $50. Powers said the donors were everyday Western New Yorkers.
What’s untrue about that statement?
I suppose all the folks donating through ActBlue are everyday Western New Yorkers? And when Powers travels out-of-state to raise money he’s just seeking out everyday Western New Yorkers hiding out in other states?
Apparently it’s not just Jon Powers who’s in denial.
Have you contacted the campaign to ask them to prove their claim? If so, post it. If not, you’re accusing him of something that you don’t have proof of.
And by bringing up ActBlue and other out-of-state fundraising, you’re changing the subject from the central statement of fact.
It’s quite a simple question: 80% of his donors gave less than $100, and they are “average WNYers”. What percentage of those donors are average WNYers, and what aren’t.
Of course, Jon Powers is the only non-millionaire in the race, so he’s the only one really susceptible to these issues.
Actually, I’m not changing the subject. You’re talking about the size of the donations… not the source of them. The size of the donations is a red herring. Who is funding Powers’ campaign is the issue.
I’m not sure what the big problem is with successful businesspeople. Americans should respect success, not condemn it.