No subtle nuance here, folks - this is what the campaign managment people call "The Ask"
Doty for Southern Oregon is in a winnable race in a relatively small district (the city limits of Medford), so it is realistic to canvas and target via direct mail, but it is not reasonable to buy print or TV, since the rates reflect a far larger readership/viewership region (the whole south coast, Northern Cal, a lot of territory east of the Cascades) than just my seat.
Dem candidates in past years have raised from $16K to $19K while GOPers raise $77K to $92K. Needless to say, the Dem gets wholloped.
But that can change this year.
A: The seat is now open - the incumbent bailed four days before the filing deadline and the new candidate irked the county GOP by filing for this House seat, rather than the Senate seat he had just been appointed to (causing them to scramble to prevent that from becoming an uncontested Dem pickup)...
B: The district has approx 21K regularly participating voters, 6K solid Dems and about 7K of swingable, 13K total... to swing them, they need to know who I am and what I stand for...
So what will this 'knowing who I am' take?
For some name familiarity boost, a decent Lawn sign distribution in the limited geographic spread - 750 to 1000: $1500 - $2000
For 3 targetted mailings, aimed first at probable Dem donors (immediately, approx 4500 households), then to likely Dem voters (just after the primary ballots arrive, approx 6500 households), then to likely swing voters (in Mid September, approx 3000 households): $14K, some of which will be recouped.
For 1.5 paid staff at avg $2000 per month from now until November: $14K - $21K
For printing costs of other lit, GotV reminders, remit envelopes, parade signage for July 4th and Harvest Fest, etc...: $14K
Total Low End Budget = just short of $50K or approx $3.85 per needed vote. I actually hope to get closer to $60K to $75K, but there is a critical mass concern to hit first.
dKos readers are my second largest source of funds in this campaign so far, and they are far behind my local contributors (as it should be) but we are far behind the $50K goal. Money breeds money. If a surge could come through in the next week or so, allowing me to pay for my first mailing, the locals sources would open up significantly faster... and once that cash is flowing, the state-based 'powers that be' start seeing this as a viable race - bringing funds from teachers, NARAL, House Dems in safe districts, DPO, labor, etc...
I realize there isn't the same compelling rage, thus motivation, as in federal elections (and more power to Mr. Seeman and others), but Oregon is a 'purple' state - strong local Dem candidates will boost Kerry. Stong Statewide efforts will strengthen the Dem footing here for future elections. This is a solid investment from the nationwide perspective. My sincere thanks to those of you Kossacks who've decided I am a good destination for Dean Dollars or whatever planned recipients were no longer available or desirable. Not much more from this source will be needed, but I'd like to close the week $10K higher - as has been noted elsewhere, that is 500 at $20.
Do what you can do.