DISQUS

Andrew Oh-Willeke · 3 years ago

Rumor has it that there are other donors in the high six or low seven digit range waiting in the wings.

Equally important, the big corporate pledges of have an important long term political dimension. 

Big business has come to the conclusion, one it reached long ago in D.C., but then retreated from in the face of GOP initiatives like it "K Street" initiative that insisted that lobbying firms hire people from only one political party.

In Colorado, big business has tended to not hedge its bets the way they have nationally.  Democrats would never be in control, so why bother?  Now, with back to back sessions in control of the legislature, and a Democratic Governor, big business has learned that it has to play ball.  While no one dares utter the "Deanna Hanna" mantra of reparations, big donations by big businesses with a substantial Colorado presence is a non campaign finance limit capped way to get back into the good graces of Democrats after ignoring them for years.

The convention itself, of course, is unlikely to be more than a coronation.  The nominee is almost always known months in advance, and the platform is rarely of practical importance.  But, the symbol is powerful.  It means that in 2008, Republicans are unlikely to have the strong relative edge in accumulating big business money that they did in prior years.

With a more equitable financial playing field, and the larger Presidential election turnout that generally favors Democrats, along with an apparent blue trend over the past few election cycles in Colorado, driven in part by migration into the state from places like California and the Northeast, Democrats could easily strengthen their hold on the state in 2008, if they don't seriously screw up ove the next two years.

Leslie Robinson · 3 years ago

Creamy or Chunky: How Money Comes Out of the Jar I agree with your observations.

It will be interesting to see what Republican-type corporations like Coors determine to do in contributing to the cause. Will they continue to play partisan politics or will their bottom line be more important? No doubt the donation rules are: no pay, no play.

If I were on the Denver Host fundraising committee, I'd be looking at the Trailhead corporate donors. Who needs to make nice now that the Democrats are in control?

Plus, it will be intriguing how many Western Slope corporations have been tapped. If I were Aspen Ski Company, "Sure, I'll donate to the cause; but what's in it for me?" The estimated $160 million economic benefits of hosting the Democratic Convention may have to be spread across the state like peanut butter on bread.