From Deseret News archives:
Political spending helped and hurt
Swift boat ad likely affected outcome, BYU scientist says
On one hand, spending by so-called 527s probably allowed Democratic challenger John Kerry to keep the race close last year when it looked as if Bush was pulling away for an easy win.
On the other, it was an impeccably timed Republican 527 ad campaign the Swift Boat Veterans and POWs for Truth that probably played the biggest role in the outcome. That and the fact Kerry did not respond quickly enough.
"It took Kerry off message" and gave a strategic advantage to Bush, said Brigham Young University political scientist David Magleby, who with the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at BYU and the Center for Public Integrity in Washington, D.C., have been examining the nuances of campaign spending during 2004 election.
"The Swift Boat Veterans attack was masterful," Magleby said. "This group delivered a message that the Bush campaign and the RNC could not, and Bush got the best of both worlds because he could decry 527s and benefit from their activities at the same time."
Researchers estimated that 75 percent of voters saw and remembered the ads.
Magleby and researchers at the Center for Public Integrity revealed some of their findings Thursday during a press conference at the National Press Club:
- There were 257 groups active during the last election cycle, raising $534.6 million and spending $550.7 million.
- Democratic 527s outspent Republican 527s by a two-to-one margin.
- Two-thirds of the money raised went to help candidates for federal office.
- Corporations did not give much money to 527s organized to help federal candidates, but instead shifted their donations to 527s focused on state candidates and issues.
- 527 committees were professionally managed, easy to set up and were "parallel campaigns" to the official candidate campaigns in every sense.
- The role of 527 committees is only going to get larger and more influential in future elections as groups better understand what they can and cannot do under federal campaign reforms.
Comments
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Man dies after being run over
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
192 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
132 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
101 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
we should keep... espi (intl) findley javi (intl) will kyle borchers...
I've watched these Davis boys play together since they were PeeWee's. Yes,...
I missed this one! Heard it was the best showdown so far! Im a really big MMA...
Jazz fans please say a prayer that this REAL party can inspire our Jazz to do...
I LOVE YOU. It's too bad those who didn't know you can't possibly...
It seems that most of these arguments and threats are very irrational. Did...
think of how the REAL players won nearly every loose ball thwarting Galaxy...
I really wish people would STOP with the conservative/libertarian label....
That game was amazing! I think this will really help the sport grow in Utah....
Congrats on a great win. Utah as a whole should be proud not just of a major...


You can be the first to comment on this story.