Jeff Smith's "choose his ad" feature on his website seems to be doing well. He's raised over $8,000 in a few days with it.
Basically, it's like a bat, but one that actually gives his contributors some genuine control over his campaign message.
For those who aren't famliar: Jeff Smith is the progressive running for Gephardt's open Congressional seat in St. Louis, MO. A Democrat is almost certain to win in November so as a liberal pragmatist I've adopted this race as one place I can support a true progressive without fear of losing a seat to a Republican. Of his 3 major opponents, two are anti-choice and the one who is pro-choice (Russ Carnahan) voted for MO's law that bans gay marraige -- so basically Jeff Smith is our only chance to get a progressive with backbone in this seat.
My understanding is that he been running his campaign largely with targeted direct mail, but it is about to go on TV, too.
He currently has on his website two possible TV ads. He is asking on-line contributors to make a donation in the name of one ad or the other. Then, whichever one gets the most donations will be the ad he airs.
The election is one week from today, so I have to think they will choose today or tomorrow at the latest. Currently, it's neck and neck between the two.
I hope people will check it out and consider sending some bucks to one race that will shape what kind of Democratic party we have in Congress.
http://www.jeffsmith2004.com/