November Mission of the Month: Political Fundraising

With the 2012 presidential election quickly approaching, it's interesting to look back and see some of the techniques political fundraisers utilized for their respective campaigns. So to kick off our November Mission of the Month — Political Fundraising — here are a few stories from FundRaising Success Gold Awards judge Paul Bobnak, research director of FS sister brand DirectMarketingIQ.

2 New Direct Mail Tricks Used in Election 2012
"For decades, direct mail has been the workhorse of grassroots political fundraising. And judging by what's appeared so far in this election cycle, it's not going to be put out to pasture any time soon. Surveys, membership cards, photos and letters from rockstar politicians have dominated the 2012 mailstream because they all still work well." Read the full post.

Democrats Fire Back with 'Firewall' Direct Mail
"The 2010 election was not a great one for Democrats, as scores of candidates were defeated in a Republican wave. Their control of the U.S. Senate was maintained, though, and 2011 saw several direct mail efforts by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to see that it stayed that way. Centering on the theme of 'I Am The Firewall,' the mailings tried to energize Democratic supporters, to make certain that nothing was being taken for granted." Read the full post.

The Best in 2012 Election Mail
"There's a lot at stake in the 2012 elections besides the obvious prize — the White House. So we here at DMIQ decided to look at the direct mail sent out by political campaigns in 2011, to see what's working and what may be ahead in 2012. And why not? We've had a long history covering the direct mail of political campaigns." Read the full post.

High-Level Direct Mail from Obama's 2012 Presidential Campaign
"Obama for America began the president's re-election effort with a package targeting a likely 'early supporter. The front of the 4-1/2" x 8-3/4" mailing features only Barack Obama's face set against a dark background. When opened, the outer's panels fold out, revealing two quotes from the president in reversed-out white type." Read the full post.