Romney, Giuliani top fundraisers in Medfield

Presidential hopefuls in the 2008 elections have raised more than $295 million. More money and earlier than ever before.

Medfield has also gotten in to the action early contributing more than $71,188 to their favorite candidates with top contenders doing well. Mitt Romney garnered $27,450, Rudy Giuliani $17,350, and Hillary Clinton raised $9,200.

Of the 8,018 of voters in Medfield, 4,880 were registered as unenrolled, 1,614 as Democrats, and 1,474 as Republicans.

 At the state level the ranking of these three candidates puts Republican contender and former Massachusetts governor Romney in the lead with more than $3 million.

Democratic rivals Obama (about $2 million) and Clinton (nearly $1.5 million) are running second and third, respectively in terms of money raised in the state.

Nationally, Clinton is running ahead the pack, with more than $63 million in contributions. Obama is a close second with almost $59 million.

With the election more than a year away analysts discussed what is putting cash in the till this early.

"Although it's extremely early, what we've seen in the last several pre-elections is the front loading of the primary calendar," said Marion Just, professor of political science at Wellesley College. "You need money earlier."

Legislatures or parties in 20 states have moved the dates of their presidential primaries or caucuses forward. Several others states are considering doing so, according to Democracy in Action P2008 Web site.

Florida's Republican governor signed a bill to move the date of the state's presidential primary from the second Tuesday in March to the last Tuesday in January, according to the Web site. Traditionally, South Carolina has gone first in the south.

"With voting in some states in December it is almost a year early," said Professor Just. "So many states moved into February to be first, then others moved to January to beat them and now December. With so many primaries on the same date in February, it means the candidates will have to carry a national campaign to meet primary voters in all those states. Candidates have to have huge amounts of ready cash."

While it's not as common for women to contribute to the race as men and those in the lower socio-economic level protect their precious disposable income, there are differences based on where you are in society.

"Say your business needs protection and you want to make sure all the connections are well greased," said Just.

Contributors fall in to profiles. "Some people are active in party politics on one side or other and are closely connected to the party and try to pick a candidate they have faith in," said Just. "While others may embrace the candidate's point of view, which to the person is very important. It comes more from the policy or idea he embraces. People who donate early believe in the candidate and want to be in on the ground floor."
Karen Schlosberg, chairman of Natick's Democratic Town Committee thinks people are excited with the selection of good candidates.

"I think we are eager to see this (election) come and go so we can have a new president," said Schlosberg. "Specifically Barack has been using the method our governor used getting a lot of people to give a little money - collecting more voters rather than people giving a lot of money."

As the election nears Schlosberg wonders if people will tune out the election a bit because it started so early.

"People tell me as long as it stays more polite, they will listen," said Schlosberg. "It's a relief because you hear what they say."

The Democratic Town Committee chairman also believes if people contribute in the primary with the maximum of $2,300, by Federal Election Campaign rules, they can donate the same amount in 2008 for the general election.

Schlosberg says the early contributions are a sign people frustrated by what's going on in the current administration and in Congress.

"People do seem to be more politically aware," she said. "Anyone who gets past the primary is going to need a lot of money to stop as many places."

OpenSecrets.com estimates the eventual nominees will need to raise $500 million each to compete.

Schlosberg said people contribute as a way to participate in a national campaign. "It's hard to think you can make a difference unless you give money, especially if you like a candidate.

"Making a donation is an action, added Schlosberg. "If people feel powerless and frustrated, donating to a candidate makes a statement."
Kathy Uek can be reached at 508-626-4419 or kuek@cnc.com. Staff reporter Rob Borkowski, 781-433-8353 or rborkows@cnc.com, contributed to this report.