How About Frank Wolf's Money?

Today's Washington Post has a strange article about Judy Feder's and Frank Wolf's fundraising. Why strange? Let us count the ways.

*The article appears two months after the latest campaign finance reports went to the FEC. Why bring this up now and slant the story in such a negative way towards Judy Feder? It's rather curious, to put it mildly, especially given the Post's past support for the supposedly "moderate" Republican Wolf.

*The article buries an important point, that "Wolf was in [Feder's same] position during his successful 1980 campaign against incumbent Joseph L. Fisher (D)." At that time, the Post reported that "nearly half of Wolf's money has come from political action committees and other special action groups, many of them outside Virginia."

*The Post fails to report that around 25%-30% of Frank Wolf's money comes from special interest, big business and ideologically right-wing PACs. The fact is, only about half of Wolf's money comes from individuals, let alone individuals in the 10th district. In contrast, just 5% or so of Feder's money comes from PAC's, with the vast majority of her money coming from individuals. Which do you feel more comfortable with, a candidate beholden more to special interests or more to the people.

*A few of the PACs supporting Wolf are the National Association of Realtors, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Eli Lilly, the American Bankers Association, and something called the "Every Republican is Crucial" PAC. I'm sure that all of these donors are in touch with the needs of regular people in Fauquier, Loudoun, Clarke, Warren, Frederick, and Prince William counties.

*The Post article also buries the point that other great candidates, like Donna Edwards -- who defeated Rep. Al Wynn a few weeks ago in Maryland -- have received significant money from out of state. Does that make Donna Edwards any less of a candidate, or any less popular in her district? Short answer: no.

*In addition, the Post fails to mention that Judy Feder has strong support in the 10th district. Among others, Feder is backed by Del. Margi Vanderhye, Del. Chuck Caputo, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, 2007 13th House of Delegates district candidate Bruce Roemmelt, and 2007 86th House of Delegates district candidate Jay Donahue.