After this weekend's county mini-conventions it looks like Jackson is a shoo-in for the eventual nomination, and while that development could be a further example of the impacts of what you refer to as a "national organization," it seems to me more likely a reflection of the popularity of Platner's politics throughout the state.
In updated figures from the FEC (through 6/30) Platner raised $21,000,919.56,, over 98% of which came from individual donors. The campaign did get $334,559.40 from committee contributions (what you refer to as "behind the scene funding), but that was only 1.6% of the money raised, and it came mostly from labor union donations.
I voted for Nirav Shah's slate of delegates at the Cumberland County convention on Saturday, but according to the Bangor Daily News, out of 1311 delegate candidates, Jackson won 148 out of 149. That's quite a landslide, which he repeated throughout all the county conventions, leading to a total of 456 delegates out of 500. Maine Democrats see unwilling to give up on the anti-oligarchic politics introduced by the Platner campaign. Let's hope that results in defeat of Susan Collins in November.
Well stated summary. While Platner did energize a strong support from Maine contributors the chart does indicate also strong out of state individual support sources. The primary concern that is often understated is the segment of your essay that identifies the out of state recruitment that got his campaign organized without significant vetting. Three qualified and documented candidates announced in January were already showing positive polling results to defeat Collins. For a out of state to recruit a “Mainah” to be the face of a national organization raises serious questions about the behind the scene funding and Bernie Sanders promotion rally There is further question regarding the current transfer of outside organization and funding to the Jackson campaign and influence on Dem delegate selection process.
After this weekend's county mini-conventions it looks like Jackson is a shoo-in for the eventual nomination, and while that development could be a further example of the impacts of what you refer to as a "national organization," it seems to me more likely a reflection of the popularity of Platner's politics throughout the state.
In updated figures from the FEC (through 6/30) Platner raised $21,000,919.56,, over 98% of which came from individual donors. The campaign did get $334,559.40 from committee contributions (what you refer to as "behind the scene funding), but that was only 1.6% of the money raised, and it came mostly from labor union donations.
I voted for Nirav Shah's slate of delegates at the Cumberland County convention on Saturday, but according to the Bangor Daily News, out of 1311 delegate candidates, Jackson won 148 out of 149. That's quite a landslide, which he repeated throughout all the county conventions, leading to a total of 456 delegates out of 500. Maine Democrats see unwilling to give up on the anti-oligarchic politics introduced by the Platner campaign. Let's hope that results in defeat of Susan Collins in November.
Well stated summary. While Platner did energize a strong support from Maine contributors the chart does indicate also strong out of state individual support sources. The primary concern that is often understated is the segment of your essay that identifies the out of state recruitment that got his campaign organized without significant vetting. Three qualified and documented candidates announced in January were already showing positive polling results to defeat Collins. For a out of state to recruit a “Mainah” to be the face of a national organization raises serious questions about the behind the scene funding and Bernie Sanders promotion rally There is further question regarding the current transfer of outside organization and funding to the Jackson campaign and influence on Dem delegate selection process.
Really well organized, written and informative article, Heath. Rekindled so many “if only” thoughts and feelings.