There's been a great deal of discussion over the GOP's new plan giving their online fundraisers a 30 percent cut of money raised. Some thing it's crass or unethical, but it's neither of those.
Professional fundraisers often take cuts that large, sometimes larger, in their efforts to raise money for campaigns and organizations. So there's nothing wrong in giving those same terms to their online bundlers.
But here's the key. There are two types of fundraisers --
- Professional fundraisers. As discussed they take a cut of money raised.
- Bundlers. These are known as "rangers" and "pioneers" in the world of Bush fundraising.
There is an important distinction between the two --
The professional fundraisers are engaged in a business relationship with the party. Nothing more. They have no further influence or "seat at the table", so to speak. They take their 30-50 percent cut and call it a day.
The bundlers, on the other hand, take no cut. What they get in return is that proverbial seat at the table. Their money comes with strings attached, be it specific legislation, pursuit of certain ideals, or merely the chance to play golf with presidents and congresscritters.
It's telling that the GOP wants to treat their online constituencies as a business relationship. It's clear they don't want to be bothered with whatever feedback Republican bloggers might want to offer. They just want the cash, and they're willing to pay generous percentages to get that cash.
Democratic web bundlers (ePatriots) are like Bush's pioneers, and are being taken seriously as partners by the party. Republican web bundlers are like professional fundraisers, who are paid cash and then ignored.
I like our approach better.