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July 01, 2004

The real reason Kerry waited

Call me a pessimist, but I have to think the June 30th deadline played a major role in John Kerry's decision not to announce his candidate for VP until now. I also find it hard to believe that he honestly still does not know who he is going to pick. I just think they figured the more happy donors who still think their man is in the game, the better:


Kerry sets Democratic fundraising record

Sen. John Kerry enters this weekend having raised a record $34 million in June, overcoming one obstacle to his presidential campaign as he prepares to hurdle the next: selecting a running mate, probably next week.

In one day alone this week Kerry raised $3 million over the Internet. Overall he's raised more than $180 million in his presidential bid, a record amount for a Democrat, as is June's total. His success in raising money reflects the intense Democratic antipathy toward President Bush, skillful use of new technology and a bloodless primary contest, party operatives said.

Yet as a fund-raiser Kerry still lags behind President Bush, who's shattering records himself. But the avalanche of money tumbling into Kerry's coffers delights many Democrats who'd had doubts about his ability to compete with Bush.

"The numbers are mind-boggling," said Democratic strategist Jim Jordan, Kerry's former campaign manager, who's now a top operative for two independent political groups that are working to oust Bush. "This has everything to do with a party base that despises George Bush."

Sure that he has enough money to compete, Kerry is close to deciding on a running mate. His campaign has asked leading candidates for the position to provide information on where they can be reached at all times over the next week.

Many Democrats said an announcement next week, perhaps as early as Tuesday, would allow Kerry to capture public attention and build momentum toward the Democrats' convention July 26-29 in Boston.

Posted by Mike at July 1, 2004 09:51 PM

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