The Anti-Sam Brownback Blog

In presidential politics, the term “Whale” refers to the biggest of the big donors. Since they are limited by campaign finance laws from giving more than $2100 to a candidate, they bundle their donation with those of their rich friends. On the republican side, President Bush named these fundraisers pioneers ($100,000) and rangers($200,000).

The Washington Post reports that John McCain and Mitt Romney are competing for these pioneers and rangers at a frantic pace. It also notes:

Other potential 2008 GOP candidates, including former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Sens. Sam Brownback (Kan.) and Chuck Hagel (Neb.), are far behind in the pursuit of these fundraising big shots.

This is Brownback’s biggest weakness. At a certain point, it all comes down to money. He has never had to raise very much for his senate races and his lack of a high profile will hamper finding new donors. It remains to be seen whether the evangelical base that supports him with prayers will also support him with their wallets.

Brownback’s campaign staff has previously stated that they expect Iowa to be do or die for fundraising. If he does surprisingly well in Iowa, the money could come in. But running in Iowa isn’t cheap, and he will have to have a decent chunk of change in order to even be competitive.