5280 Magazine – May 2018

96 |^5280 |^ MAY 20^18

Credits Tk

OLD WAY: “Moderate” was a

compliment and a sought-

after descriptor for an aspiring

politician in Colorado.

NEW WAY: In our climate of intense

political tribalism, the activism

and passion in both parties is

found closer to the ideological

edges. Nominees may still

tack toward the center come

November. But mobilizing the

base is imperative.

OLD WAY: Precinct caucuses took

place in your neighbor’s living

room; state assemblies mattered

in crowning some candidates and

weeding out others; and ballots

were cast by showing up at your

nearby school or fire station.

NEW WAY: Colorado’s caucus

process grows ever more archaic

and unpredictable. Some

reporter is guaranteed to make

Sticker Shock

The 2018 contest will almost surely set

spending records.

G

ood luck trying to guess this race’s inal price tag. When

you ask people who are in a position to estimate the cost,

you’ll hear plenty of sighs, often followed by someone

saying, “A lot.” Pundits and politicos aren’t being cagey;

they don’t know. “he ante is up everywhere,” CU Denver’s

Paul Teske says. “I couldn’t name a igure, except that it will

probably be more than ever before.”

Looking at past elections can give us an idea of what this

one might cost: In 2014, according to followthemoney.org,

gubernatorial candidates across the country raised more than

$845,000,000. But collecting a bunch of cash doesn’t ensure

victory. In open races that year, losers cumulatively raised more

than winners. In Colorado’s 2014 gubernatorial race, accord-

ing to the Council of State Governments, each vote cost $5.20.

hat number will probably rise this election cycle, in part

because Proposition 108 likely ensures that candidates must

reach more voters during the primary than ever before.

So how will hopeful governors stock their war chests?

Colorado’s campaign inance laws place strict limits on con-

tributions: Individuals can donate a total of $1,150 to a

gubernatorial candidate (a max of $575 each for the primary

and general elections). Candidates can also receive up to

$615,075 from their own parties. here are no limits to the

amount of money an individual can personally donate to his or

her own campaign.

Of course, there are other ways candidates can beneit

without raising or spending their own money, thanks to inde-

pendent expenditure committees. At press time, there were 79

active independent expenditure committees in the state. In the

simplest of terms, these groups can spend as much money as

they want as long as they aren’t coordinating (dare we say, col-

luding) with a candidate. Independent expenditure committees

can run attack ads against candidates they don’t like, post posi-

tive ads for the ones they do, and/or create public awareness

ads for the big issues. Add that all up, and this campaign might

cost more than some annual city budgets.

THE (NEW) PLAYBOOK

A look at the shifting rules of running for

governor in Colorado. —ES

Three key ways to collect dough during

the campaign.

1

2

3

AMASS DONATIONS

BE RICH

LET SOMEONE ELSE HAVE CONTROL

Hit the phones and knock

on doors to ask people

for cash.

Impress an independent

expenditure committee.

Learn to let go (you’re not

allowed to talk to them

about messaging).

Raise a dollar at a time.

Watch your bank account

balance spiral downward

as each ad runs.

Donate to your own

campaign and spend less

time fundraising.

CASH FLOW