UPDATED - 18th District Congressional Candidate Fred Dailey Getting Fleeced
I don't know anyone who doesn't like Fred Dailey. Sure, sometimes folks might disagree with him on an issue or two, but that aside, he is one of the friendliest, hardworking, and kindest individuals that I know.
That's why its upsetting to see his generous nature being taken advantage of in his ill-fated second run for Congress in the 18th Congressional District. Sometimes, whether you are a lawyer, or a political consultant, or a business advisor, you must be straightforward with your client and explain to them that they cannot possibly win. You must inform them that you will not stand by and have them waste their personal funds on paying your big fees. Sometimes, you even have to quit to get your point across.
Fred Dailey filed his end of year campaign finance report yesterday, and what it showed was shameful. Here are his numbers:
$70,976.67 in starting cash
$18,757.00 in contributions
$36,288.34 in expenditures
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$53,445.33 cash on hand
$64,471.08 in loans owed to Fred Dailey
Of the $36,288.34 that Fred spent, all but $1,596.00 was split between 3 consultants. Nearly $24,000 of that amount went to his campaign manager, Matt Parker. When a campaign manager spends more on himself than the candidate takes in, then it's time to get a new manager, or face reality and get out of a race that is simply not winnable.
Nearly 20 years ago my friend Morton Blackwell wrote about how some political consultants sucker conservative candidates into races that they can't win in order to line the consultant's pockets. What he said back in 1990 still rings true today, only the names and faces have changed. It's shameful.
Update - Matt Parker responds in the comments and confirms something I just learned, he left the Fred Dailey campaign two weeks ago. He also recently left the Dave Yost campaign.
That's why its upsetting to see his generous nature being taken advantage of in his ill-fated second run for Congress in the 18th Congressional District. Sometimes, whether you are a lawyer, or a political consultant, or a business advisor, you must be straightforward with your client and explain to them that they cannot possibly win. You must inform them that you will not stand by and have them waste their personal funds on paying your big fees. Sometimes, you even have to quit to get your point across.
Fred Dailey filed his end of year campaign finance report yesterday, and what it showed was shameful. Here are his numbers:
$70,976.67 in starting cash
$18,757.00 in contributions
$36,288.34 in expenditures
__________________________________
$53,445.33 cash on hand
$64,471.08 in loans owed to Fred Dailey
Of the $36,288.34 that Fred spent, all but $1,596.00 was split between 3 consultants. Nearly $24,000 of that amount went to his campaign manager, Matt Parker. When a campaign manager spends more on himself than the candidate takes in, then it's time to get a new manager, or face reality and get out of a race that is simply not winnable.
Nearly 20 years ago my friend Morton Blackwell wrote about how some political consultants sucker conservative candidates into races that they can't win in order to line the consultant's pockets. What he said back in 1990 still rings true today, only the names and faces have changed. It's shameful.
Update - Matt Parker responds in the comments and confirms something I just learned, he left the Fred Dailey campaign two weeks ago. He also recently left the Dave Yost campaign.
Posted by Scott Pullins at 1/27/2010 2:16 PM 
Categories: campaigns, congress, 2010
Tags: filpac zack space matthew parker mathew parker and associates bob gibbs fred dailey matt parker
Categories: campaigns, congress, 2010
Tags: filpac zack space matthew parker mathew parker and associates bob gibbs fred dailey matt parker
Scott,
First, let me say that Fred Dailey is one of the finest men I have ever met. His record is impeccable, and his life experiences are second to none.
However, we were unable to overcome the same challenges that existed in 2008 when Fred lost to Zack Space by 20%. Most importantly, fundraising was continuing to be a major problem. State Senator Bob Gibbs is clearly emerging as the frontrunner. Our firm believes that it is vitally important to see liberal congressman Zack Space defeated in 2010, and we believe Bob Gibbs has stepped up as the candidate most capable of accomplishing this.
This is why I asked Fred earlier this month to consider dropping out of the race. However, that is a decision that Fred has to make HIMSELF--and I respect whatever decision he makes....I was only able to give him my best advice. I do not know what Fred will ultimately do...but I think my actions were anything but selfish. I could have continued to stay on as his consultant and collect a check--but I didn't. I resigned from the campaign 2 weeks ago, as did the other people working on his race. We all worked really hard for Fred, but unfortunately, in my opinion, he wasn't able to raise the resources necessary to win. This was very tough to do because everyone involved in the campaign has the utmost respect for Fred, Rita, and their entire family. He is a great man and it is a shame that his timing has always been bad when he has run for public office.
Something else... If you think that I personally made $36k off of the Fred Dailey campaign, your crazy. That money went to pay for 2 staffers who worked on Fred's campaign and for many supplies and expenses incurred.
Just thought you might like to know the facts.
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