FDs on the campaign trail

There’s fanfare, sledging, powerful oratory, movie star looks (including teeth that are so white, Colgate should consider sponsoring the Democrats and the Republicans) and, of course, inevitable scandal.

But one of the most interesting things about these campaigns is the amount of money that’s involved. Those Americans sure know how to spend a political dollar. It was reported in The Times the other day that total election spending in 2008 could reach $5bn.

(And if you’re interested in seeing how cashed up the candidates are, click here for a table on who’s spending what. And remember, this is only the amount being spent by the candidates hopeful of gaining their party’s nomination for the ‘proper’ presidential election, which will be held at the end of the year).

Imagine getting the gig to be FD of a campaign. It’s a pretty important position to have and, unlike many (dare I say it) ‘normal’ FDs, you’re in the spotlight all the time.

Many of these people are long-time campaign FDs. For instance, Barack Obama’s finance guru worked with John Edwards during his 2004 bid for the White House. Other FDs have been involved in different forms of political fundraising for years.

But what’s also interesting is that hardly any are ‘normal’ or ‘real-life’ FDs outside election time.

I don’t know why this is. But I’m going to find out!

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