PCR is sorely missed in lege races

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Challengers get the worst of it

Two weeks before Minnesota’s political contribution refund (PCR) program expired, Rep. Julie Bunn, DFL-Lake Elmo, and about nine volunteers unleashed a full-tilt fundraising drive.

“I dropped everything before the deadline and raised as much money as I could before it went away,” Bunn said.

Bunn had to scramble because last year Gov. Tim Pawlenty unallotted the program as a measure to help solve the budget deficit. The refunds ceased after June 30, 2009, and lawmakers have yet to put money back into the program.

Before the program stopped, Bunn raised about $12,000 in contributions from donors who qualified for PCR. Registered voters got a refund on contributions up to $50. Couples could get the refund up to $100.

Bunn’s GOP opponent, Kathy Lohmer, said she also worked hard to remind her supporters that they needed to contribute by the deadline in order to get the refund.

“We tried to let people know that if they were interested, there was a deadline,” Lohmer said.

Bunn and Lohmer are running in a highly competitive rematch for the House District 56A in the suburbs northwest of St. Paul. Before the program expired, they both raised more than $10,000 that qualified for PCR. Bunn received $11,533 from 150 individuals and couples. Lohmer received $13,765 from 155 people.

Bunn and Lohmer both said they have raised enough money without the program. But the absence of the PCR program has changed the fundraising landscape, according to candidates and strategists.

“It is tougher for the legislative candidates, really of either party, to raise money, and I think that’s part and parcel with the elimination of PCR,” said Gregg Peppin, a Republican consultant at P2B Strategies in St. Paul.

Sen. Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, who was first elected in 2006, has altered his fundraising strategy because of the elimination of the PCR. Individuals who weren’t politically active were more likely to contribute because PCR provided an added incentive, Skogen said. He added that he’s had to seek out contributors this year who are more politically engaged.

“I’ve still had contributions from some first-timers and even friends and family,” he noted, “but not as many. It just kind of changed who was participating.”

Skogen is running against first-time Republican candidate Gretchen Hoffman in the general election.

Legislative caucuses, which are already struggling to raise money as traditional labor and business donors weather the economic downturn, have also been hit by the PCR elimination. Rep. Steve Simon, the House DFL Caucus Campaign treasurer, said his caucus’s fundraising efforts have reflected the difference.

“I think the PCR is in many ways a great equalizer,” Simon said. “It allows everyday people to have a voice in financing campaigns. …We would have more money with that there. There’s been a very large drop off in that category.”  He declined to estimate how much contributions have dropped off because of the PCR elimination.

According to one popular argument, the PCR’s elimination falls particularly hard on challengers. Simon agrees: “I think there are many members whose fundraising is centered around their district. In many districts [the PCR] was a mainstay in fundraising. Its absence probably hurts challengers more than incumbents.”

The amount of money raised by Bunn and Lohmer through the PCR program was on the high side for legislative candidates. In the 2008 election cycle, when 28,991 Minnesota citizens participated, legislative candidates frequently received $2,000 – $8,000 in qualifying contributions.

In 2006, the last year in which both the Senate and the House were up for election, 32,619 people made $2.17 million in PCR contributions.

Trail Mix

IN A PUN ON the title of the 1990s bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, Rep. Joe Atkins is calling his weekly door-knocking excursions Tuesdays with Joe.

Atkins, a DFLer from Inver Grove Heights who is mentioned among possible candidates for House DFL Caucus leadership in 2011, has organized trips outside his district in the last two election cycles to work for candidates. This week Atkins traveled down to Faribault, where DFLer Patti Fritz is running for re-election. Last week he door-knocked for first-term Rep. Phil Sterner of Apple Valley.

With the House DFL leadership team in flux after the departure of Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL reps with leadership ambitions are traveling extensively this summer to work for candidates in swing districts.

Atkins was also busy this week raising money. On Thursday he co-hosted District 39’s “Big Tent Fundraiser” in Inver Grove Heights. Atkins hosted the event with Sen. James Metzen, DFL-South St. Paul, and Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul.

Why call it the big tent?

“Well, because it’s held in a big tent, for one thing, and we also hope it’s reflective of the ideals of the DFL Party,” Atkins said.

Sponsorships for the Big Tent event ran as high as $2,500. Admission cost $500 for PACs and $250 for lobbyists.

In addition to Atkins, DFL Reps. Melissa Hortman, Erin Murphy and Steve Simon are leadership aspirants who have worked hard for fellow DFLers this summer….

LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES are holding another round of golf fundraisers before the snow flies.

On Monday the House DFL Caucus is holding its inaugural “Q Cup” fundraiser at the Sawmill Golf Course in Stillwater. The golf event will feature a barbecue dinner.

The event, which is being organized by House DFL Caucus staffers Tom Dicklich and Nancy Conley, calls for small donations.

The Senate GOP Caucus, which appeared to be the most strapped for cash among the four legislative caucuses when pre-primary reports were released in July, is holding a golf fundraiser on Tuesday at the Links at Northfork in Ramsey. It costs $10,000 to sponsor the tournament and $5,000 to sponsor a hole.

Away from the links, DFLers on Thursday are raising money for the Senate District 20 DFL to support first-term Rep. Andrew Falk, DFL-Murdock, at Sweeney’s Saloon in St. Paul. House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller are listed among hosts on the invite. The cost for individuals is $50, for lobbyists $100.