Grayson Breaks Fundraising Goal

Alan Grayson has broke his fundraising goal by raising $500,000. Grayson's web site Congressman With Guts reports $513,435 in fundraising. CQ Politics rates the race for Grayson's district are toss up. The conventional wisdom for freshmen Congressional election does not apply.

Republicans can't find a candidate to field against Grayson. Open Secrets list Republicans Peg Dunmire, Dan Fanelli, Todd Long and Patricia Sullivan as District 8 candidates. None have raised money or have name recognition. Republicans Larry Cretul and Rich Crooty said they will not challenge Grayson. Any Republican candidate will have a huge fundraising disadvantage. Grayson is not the usual freshman Congressman. The internet and cable news have turned Grayson into a progressive superstar.

Grayson can tap into internet fundraising. Republicans can not compete with Democrats, in terms of online fundraising. There is no right-wing version of ActBlue, Daily Kos or FireDogLake. RedState.com spends more time attacking moderate Republicans than raising money for the GOP. The Washington DC tea party protest showed how small the movement really is. The Obama campaign used progressive grassroots organization and took the White House. Grayson is appealing to the same base.