What will happen to Bennet's warchest if he loses the primary?

Bennet has 3 options

1. Keep the money for another federal race (House, Senate, President) - somehow, I don't see him running for office again if he loses.

2. Return the money to his donors, who would then be free to donate to Romanoff. I suspect they would, but then it's a question of reconciling Romanoff's statements about MONEY!EVIL!!?ONE!! with his sudden desire for those badly needed ducats.

3. Donate it to a charity.

He can't transfer it to a candidate.

Of the three, I think #2 is the most likely.

ad astra, per aspera // keep calm & carry on

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by: rnoboa @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 22:06:50 PM UTC

Romanoff isn't a charity?

There's a case for that.  

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by: Fong @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 23:04:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Nope

Actually, giving the money to a charity would be a devious thing to do. Depending on the legal intricacies, you could put the question to your donors, and say:

"You have a choice. I can either return your donation, or I can donate it on your behalf to a charity, either one of your choice, or one of the following: X/Y/Z."

&c, &c.

ad astra, per aspera // keep calm & carry on

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by: rnoboa @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 23:28:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

options

Bennet actually legally also can donate the money to the Dem party -- federal campaign fund -- if he so desires.  

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by: denvermike @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 14:53:50 PM UTC

fairly likely scenario

I wouldn't be surprised to see him take this route, as many of his donors are national donors who would/do give to the party anyway.  

Sorry Michael Bennet, but I'm a real person too

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by: StrykerK2 @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 15:33:13 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Returning money costs money.

It is a headache, costs mailing expenses, and takes staff time that costs more money. That's why rebating taxes is such a stupid idea. It is much easier to just donate it to the party and be done with it.

My opinions here do not reflect any organization or group with which I may be affiliated.  

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by: peacemonger @ Fri Jul 16, 2010 at 16:37:39 PM UTC

true

and it's a risk donors take if they give to a general in a primary.  I would like to see Bennet give it to the party when he loses the primary.

Sorry Michael Bennet, but I'm a real person too

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by: StrykerK2 @ Fri Jul 16, 2010 at 19:27:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]