Blog
Posted Feb 21, 2012 by Brad Kennedy |
Filed in: Opinion
The following thoughts are opinions and not a direct reflection of the thoughts of BFG.
A Question Of Vision
The Presidential Election of 2012 will be one of the most critical elections in our nation’s history. It isn't going to be about jobs, the economy or the President’s performance. The pundits are wrong. The 2012 Election will be about what Vision of America people will choose. The American people will be presented with a Vision of a growing and vibrant America walking into the 21st Century by President Obama and the Republicans Vision of…well, nothing frankly.
They have no real Vision worthy of the American people. They have no alternative path forward. All they dream about and borderline obsess about night and day is about a White House without President Obama in it.
Do they have a plan to get America back to work? No. Do they have a plan to improve this countries crumbling infrastructure? No. Do they have a plan on how to improve our educational system to prepare the next generation for the 21st century economy? No. Who have the Republicans put forward as their possible standard bearers for the Presidential Election? Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney who makes flip flopping look like an art form and Rick Santorum who this week said that Obama had a phony theology and that pre-natal testing led to abortions.
Instead of talking about the Middle Class that is suffering, the poor, people who can’t afford to go to college, or the veterans coming back from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan these guys are talking about how they don’t care about the poor and how abortions are the greatest danger to our society. Really? They honestly think the American people will vote them into office saying things like that? Welcome to the Clown Show Folks!
Do the Republicans have a true Vision to uplift America and take us toward a brighter future? The answer is a Resounding NO.
Does President Obama have a Vision to take this nation forward? Yes. He has already executed on this Vision.
- He passed Universal Healthcare so no one would be denied coverage.
- He passed the stimulus bill, which prevented us from sinking into a Second Great Depression.
- He passed the Auto Bailout, which was actually a loan, not a bailout that saved the Auto Industry and which is now thriving.
- He has ended the war in Iraq, just as he promised.
- He brought Osama Bin Laden to justice and sent a deafening message to anyone who plans to harm the United States that “There is no place you can hide that we will not find you.”
What reaction has the opposition given to the President for all of these accomplishments? Nothing but bitter criticism and hatred.
BIG SURPRISE THERE FOLKS!
This election we as Democrats must not sit at home. We must NOT be complacent. We were complacent in 2010 and look at what happened. The Republicans swept into power in the House of Representatives. Remember what happened in Wisconsin? Let us fight for our President who has fought for us. Remember elections have consequences. Register people to vote, put up yard signs, call your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers, contribute money and most importantly VOTE!
Let’s give President Obama four more years and finish what we started in 2008.
Brad Kennedy
There are several reasons why the Democratic Party (excluding President Obama, and mostly referring to candidates running for office under the Democratic Party name) must excel in its ability to raise funds. Simply put, if one wishes to be elected to political office in this country, one must have the adequate funds to campaign for said office. This is important on both the local and national levels. While fundraising has always been important in U.S. politics, it could be said that successfully raising funds is more important today than ever thanks to recent political developments.
With the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Citizens United, the use of money by corporations in regards to supporting political candidates is now protected as a form of freedom of speech. In other words, since corporations now enjoy the rights of regular individuals they are effectively considered “people." Therefore corporations are no longer barred from investing in the candidate of their choice. With such vast resources at their disposal, several large corporations may find themselves dominating the political discussion. This may spell doom for the voice of the middle and lower classes in America. Naturally, these corporations will put their money towards candidates they feel best benefit themselves. For years the Republican Party has been known as the party of big business. It is only natural for these corporations to support candidates who seek limited government, as this will generally produce short-term gains. However in the long run, this hurts the general society as there will be less revenue for the government and less regulations on business regarding pollution and exploitation of labor thereby polluting the environment and making the middle and lower classes weaker.
To ensure that institutions we Democrats value are not destroyed and to build on what we have, we must make sure that fellow members of our party are elected. If our voices are drowned out by the flood of cash by the corporations into the political discussion we may find Social Security, Medicare, the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, education, and several other valued institutions to be in danger of being picked apart or removed altogether.
Not only will these institutions be in danger, but also hopes of bringing about change for this country will be hindered. As President Kennedy said, “We need men who can dream of things that never were." The Democratic Party is THE party of ideas. If we are to adequately voice the desires of the middle class, protect the institutions that help the people, and bring about change, we must ensure that democrats are elected to office. These are the reasons why it is imperative that the Democratic Party effectively raises funds for its candidates... It's more important than ever...
Thomas M. Cunningham
Posted Jan 9, 2012 by Scott Dworkin |
Filed in: Opinion
Yes- this has nothing to do with fundraising, but since Tess in our office is an LSU fan, we wanted to get your thoughts as to who you think will win tonight.
LSU or Alabama?
Bulldog Finance Group is pleased to announce that Megan Gean has joined the firm in the position of vice president. Megan brings with her a decade of experience spanning both political and non-profit fundraising. In her new position, Megan will oversee the day-to-day operations for a variety of political and nonprofit clients in addition to responsibilities conducive to the firm's strategic growth and business development.
Throughout her career, Megan has focused on creative approaches to fundraising; whether for a non-profit agency serving the homeless, or high-dollar campaign fundraising for a Member of Congress. Megan approaches every task with a great deal of enthusiasm for ensuring that her clients are provided with the best possible service and return on investment.
“The addition of Megan Gean to Bulldog Finance Group represents an exciting time for the firm,” said Scott Dworkin, CEO and founder of Bulldog Finance Group. “Megan adds experience to our already diverse team and her hiring is evidence that BFG has created a business model that provides a truly unique value to our clients.”
Megan, welcome to Bulldog Finance Group – we are happy to have you on board!
Click here for Megan’s complete biography.
Want to hear a shocker? President Obama is being criticized again!
This time, he is being denounced for utilizing his private residence at the White House for fundraising initiatives to benefit his reelection campaign.
Critics from both political parties and independent watchdog groups have issued public remarks condemning and questioning the President’s choice to meet with donors and to film a video message from within his private home. I suppose they think he should take a day off from the most important job in the world to perform activities essential to him maintaining his job?
But what is all of the fuss about? Utilizing the private residence for fundraising and meetings is 100% legal for the President to do, and all those who have been criticizing him even admit to its legality.
Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), shared her opinion with ABC.com that the activities are, "unseemly, but perfectly legal."
Most critics of the President on this matter have been supporting their arguments based on their own personal values and of what they believe constitutes ethical and moral behavior. And since certainly they each maintain such strong, non-wavering morals themselves, they figure that it’s perfectly OK to use our tabloid-driven media to create a mountain out of a molehill. As if our country needs more mountains right now.
To all of President Obama’s critics on this issue I say this - President Obama is one of the most principled, moral and intelligent inhabitants of the White House that our country has ever had. He is embarking on nothing illegal or morally questionable, and is instituting no policies that each and every one of his predecessors had frequently done during their tenures. Disagree with him on his politics all that you like, but there is no need to start controversy simply for the sake of starting controversy.
In our current political society where opposition special interest groups, such as Crossroads GPS, are raising hundreds of millions of dollars off of enormous lies, hatred and dreadful fear tactics, you all are concerned with a few donor engagements and a video message established to bring one lucky person to the White House for dinner?!?!?
Give me a break.
Bulldog Finance Group Founder & CEO Scott Dworkin was today named to Campaigns & Elections 2011 class of Rising Stars. This award, widely recognized as one of the most prestigious in politics, honors political operatives under age 35 who have “established a track record of achievement in political consulting or advocacy and the promise to achieve greatness.”
“The caliber of this year’s nominees was incredibly high, and choosing the winners was a real challenge,” said Shane Greer, publisher of Campaigns & Elections. “To make this list is an honor, but to be the custodians of the list is an honor that all of us at C&E recognize and feel humbled by.”
Scott joins 14 Democrats and 15 Republicans on this year’s list of recipients. Previous winners include David Axelrod, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and James Carville among other notable political professionals from both sides of the aisle.
“Winning this awesome award is a validation of the hard work put in by my team and I to transform Bulldog Finance Group from a startup business into a successful venture,” said Scott. “I am very excited to be considered in the same category as some of the greatest political minds of the last 20 years.”
Scott will receive an award on June 17th at the Art of Political Campaigning Seminar. Click here to read the full article.
Congrats Scott!
One of the most common questions candidates (particularly challengers and those seeking open seats) ask me is "When should I start fundraising?" My answer, almost always, is the sooner, the better.
I give this advice not for the potential benefit of Bulldog and our portfolio, but because it is widely misunderstood just how long it takes to raise significant funds, especially in today’s hyper-partisan political environment in which building relationships takes more time than ever before.
Many times, candidates will rebuke my advice citing concerns of upcoming quarterly reports, negative media attention and hoarding cash for future use. While I truly understand all of these concerns and explanations, my experience both on the campaign trail and as a consultant understands these claims to be largely misguided.
Still not convinced I know what I am talking about? Below are a few supporting points I have compiled to help compliment my argument that 2012 campaigns must start fundraising now. 
Time is on your side
The earlier you file, the quicker you can start fundraising. Having more time allows for the development of a more thorough organization, cultivation of new relationships and a proper implementation of a finance strategy. This also enables the candidate to have more availability to build the campaign from the ground up and prevents against rushed and last minute dialing for dollars. On campaigns, time REALLY DOES equal money.
Does everybody know your name?
How many people really know who your candidate is? Is his or her name recognition really that strong? For most candidates seeking state or federal office for the first time, chances are better than not that your name recognition does not exceed 15%. Combating name recognition issues takes time and ultimately cash. Simply put – the quicker a campaign can raise capital, the faster it can address its awareness issues by hiring more staff, persistently showcasing viability and by being seen and heard everywhere that matters.
Early funding helps win the messaging wars
It is essential to effectively and seamlessly disseminate a campaign's vision, mission, values and legislative agenda as quickly as possible and through as many platforms as available. Websites, TV ads, direct mail and even social media can cost money. Without showcasing a clear and coherent message, potential donors and voters will not know what the campaign stands for and how it differentiates itself. Your campaign may think it has the best politcal talking points since George Washington, but if it does not maintain the capital to communicate those messages widespread, it will be impossible to continually prove viability.
Playing Defense in Fundraising
I am not sure who first said it, but the phrase "The Best Defense is a Good Offense,” truly applies to political campaigns – especially if a competitive primary is to occur. Being the first to approach a PAC, solicit a donor group or speaking to financial prospects will have long-term benefits. While you may not receive a donation right away, the campaign has the ability to prevent a person or organization from donating to the competition, which sometimes is as useful as a contribution.
It's is so important to remember that in fundraising, the early bird almost always gets the worm...
Bulldog Finance Group President Evan Goldberg is currently featured in the May issue of Campaigns & Elections Magazine as part of a fundraising panel discussion for the periodicals monthly 'Shop Talk' feature.
Evan joined Democratic consultant Kimberly Scott, Republican consultant Holly Robichaud of Tuesday Associates and Steve Linder, a partner at Sterling Corporation for the panel that was moderated by Daniel Weiss, the magazine's managing editor.
The feature engages the participants in conversation, debate and prognostication regarding challenges for fundraising in 2012, how the economy has impacted the frequency and magnitude of fundraising and the difficulties faced by professional fundraisers.
The full article is available for reading by visiting Campaigns & Elections online by clicking here.
Posted Apr 25, 2011 by Evan Goldberg |
Filed in: Clients
Bulldog Finance Group is pleased to announce the addition of the Fulton County (GA) Global Youth Leadership Program (FCGYLP) to our nonprofit portfolio.
Originating in 2008 at the recommendation of Fulton County’s Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, John Eaves; the FCGYLP has since garnered national recognit
ion, having earned the Governor’s International Leadership Award from the National Association of Counties in 2010.
The FCGYLP provides Fulton County’s premier high school students with the opportunity to learn, to experience and to engage with the cultures and customs distinct to the country of visit. Each year, Chairman Eaves selects a destination based on that particular country’s history on human rights issues, social injustice, income disparity, art history and cultural diversity. This year’s trip will take over 25 students to Brazil. Previous trips have visited Germany, South Africa and Turkey.
The selection process for students is rigorous and the preparation for the trip is lengthy. Each student must spend significant time learning the language and customs of the destination country prior to travel and deliver an extensive thesis upon their return. This criterion was established to ensure that a diversity of our county’s best, brightest and most driven students are given the privilege of representing Fulton County abroad. In addition, each student is asked to raise more than $1,000 to support his or her copious travel expenses.
Bulldog Finance Group is actively assisting the FCGYLP, and its community partners, the Future Foundation and the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, meet their fundraising goal for this June’s trip set at $100,000.
If you are interested in supporting the FCGYLP or would like more information, please contact us at info@bulldogfinancegroup.com.
Bulldog Finance Group will be co-hosting a fundraising event on behalf of the Wake Citizens for Good Government PAC this Thursday April 7th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at a private residence in Raleigh, NC. This event, with proceeds to benefit all of the Democratic candidates for Wake County School Board,is supported by a 50 member host committee, headlined by the Governor, numerous state and local elected officials and members of Congress including Congressman Larry Kissell (NC -8), Congressman Brad Miller (NC - 13) and Congressman David Price (NC - 4).
The issue plaguing the Wake County School Board has begun to garner national attention as evident by a New York Times article and a segment on the Colbert Report. According to the New York Times, "[Republican]board members are trying to make good on campaign promises to end Wake’s nationally recognized income-based busing policy." Many Democrats argue that this type of far-reaching measure will significantly diminish the quality of education that all Wake County students deserve.
Personally, I find this entire issue very appalling since I attended middle school, high school and even college in Wake County. I believe that the diversity of my Alma maters' not just enriched my education but helped mold me into the person that I am today. I am and always will be so very thankful for the opportunities that were presented to me in the classroom, on the ball field and in the community as a student of Wake County Public Schools. The friendships I formed, many of which I still have to this day, were bound by trust and common interest and not hindered by race, religion, geographic location or other trivialities.
For years, Wake County citizens have been proud of the county's distinction as having one of the best public school systems in the entire country. This attempt to eliminate the processes and procedures that have worked for so many years on the basis of fiscal conservatism is in fact no more than a political power play move by the Republican majority.
But this majority is not ready for the oppositional storm that is brewing in Wake County. This issue is one with national implications and rest assured that Bulldog Finance Group will be on the front lines with many other Wake County residents in working to preserve high-quality public education for all.
If you have any questions, would like to attend Thursday's event or are interested in getting involved with this critically important matter, please contact me at scott@bulldogfinancegroup.com