Mitt Romney's unethical fundraising program
Unbelievable.
From StudentsForMitt.com - a one-page website sponsored by the Mitt Romney for President campaign (and created by his "son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Mary Romney"):
Students who raise more than $1,000 through the Students for Mitt program will receive a 10% commission on the funds they raise....
Now, I don't think this is illegal based on campaign finance laws or FEC regulations - but it's definitely against the ethical guidelines of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
16. Members shall not accept compensation that is based on a percentage of contributions; nor shall they accept finder's fees.17. Members may accept performance-based compensation, such as bonuses, provided such bonuses are in accord with prevailing practices within the members' own organizations, and are not based on a percentage of contributions.
18. Members shall not pay finder's fees, or commissions or percentage compensation based on contributions, and shall take care to discourage their organizations from making such payments.
It's really pretty simple. Professional fundraisers aren't supposed to be compensated on percentage basis. Why? Because it leads to shady behavior. And through this program, Mitt Romney is "training" the next generation of GOP activists to be sleazy and shady fundraisers.
He should be ashamed of himself. And he should shut down this program.
(And yes, I know that there are campaigns all over the place that do this for high-end fundraising consultants. But that doesn't make it right. Especially for grassroots low-dollar fundraising.)
Kari Chisholm | April 15, 2007 | Comments (8) |
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It's legal and brilliant. In fact, it's a great way to get the younger generation involved. Any student who wants to make money by fundraising for a campaign would never do it if they didn't believe in the candidate. Giving them this opportunity encourages them to learn more about the candidates, to decide who they truly support...it gets them involved. Romney is a true innovator - I'll bet anything in the next presidential elections other candidates will follow suit.
Posted by: Jennifer | Apr 16, 2007 3:14:40 AM
Are Craig and Mary Romney fundraising professionals? Are they members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals? Are the students they're recruiting professionals? The examples you cite refer quite specifically to "16. Members shall not", "17. Members shall not".
Why should non-members have to adhere to someone elses guidelines?
Posted by: BBS | Apr 16, 2007 7:17:05 AM
BBS -- Yeah, it's true that the AFP's guidelines only apply to their members... but they are the standard for that profession.
It's like saying a doctor shouldn't adhere to the ethics guidelines of the AMA - just because they don't pay their dues.
Frankly, the fundraisers for Romney (and everyone else) should be members of AFP.
And Jennifer, it's legal and brilliant -- but that doesn't make it ethical.
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Apr 16, 2007 11:24:36 AM
I agree. Call it unethical if you want, but this is very smart. This will catch on...and it should.
Posted by: Cory | Apr 16, 2007 12:06:57 PM
It goes both ways. Last summer I worked for a day canvassing and raising money door to door for the DCCC. They paid us a commission that wasn't a flat bonus, but was based on how much we could raise, and I think it was more like 20-25%.
I got out because canvassing sucks and it seemed a little shady.
Posted by: Jim | Apr 16, 2007 12:39:30 PM
What is shady about it? That makes no sense. Disclose up front. No big deal.
Posted by: Timotheus | Apr 18, 2007 1:25:08 PM
simple solution get the contributions open a personal checking account, spend the money.
Romney is a loser!
Posted by: Kevin | Aug 29, 2007 4:12:57 PM
If this is a barometer of the excitement that he's bringing to the electorate he needs a change in strategy. If what he is truly about isn't resonating with the people he should hang it up. People who like a candidate and what they truly stand for will give freely..IE Dr Ron Paul. If Romney really wants to do whats best for this country he should bow out now!
Posted by: KEITH | Sep 19, 2007 5:02:39 AM
