With the Trump verdict unleashing a torrent of record-breaking donations to his campaign since Thursday afternoon, Kansans opposing the foibles of the Biden administration may be looking for the right avenues to support the former president and the Kansas congressional candidates they hope will change the nation’s governance for the better.
Trump’s campaign raised more than $50 million in 24 hours after the guilty verdict was reached against him in a highly controversial jury decision in New York on Thursday. Campaign officials say online and other collection points netted some $52.8 million, more than $2 million an hour, since the verdict was rendered. Donation traffic was so heavy in the immediate hours after the verdict that the website crashed and was inoperable until later Thursday night.
Staffers for Republican congressional campaigns in the Sunflower State are hoping that verdict-inspired financial generosity will spill over to the foot soldiers in the next Congress who will help pursue a Trump agenda after 2024, should the persecuted former president manage a November win.
The verdict and the prosecution have been widely criticized even by those typically not friendly to Trump. A top legal expert for CNN savaged the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, saying it was blatantly clear that prosecutors only brought the case in order to stop Trump’s presidency. Former federal and state prosecutor Ellie Honig, a frequent CNN legal contributor, said in a column this week both the prosecution and the court itself in the case had shown evidence of bias which should have constituted a mistrial.
The Trump campaign says some 30 percent of the recent donors are new to the former president’s fundraising efforts, leading to speculation that the verdict has brought more Americans into the realm of political contributorship than possibly ever before.
Federal election contribution limits this year top out at $3,300 per individual donation to a candidate committee, $5,000 per year to a political action committee and $10,000 per year combined to a party committee at the state, district or local level. Individuals can contribute up to $41,300 per year to a National Party Committee.
Contributors new to the concept of political giving will be weighing the advantages and possible “spread” of their contributions; from direct giving to individual candidates to local or state party committees aiming to help multiple candidates, or political action committees focusing on specific issue-related targets.
Campaign staff for Kansas Congressional races say it’s important to Remember that a newly elected president Trump will also need support in congress, and candidates working to win those positions this summer need financial support to make that happen.
“While support for the presidential race is crucial, it’s important to remember that down-ballot races are vital, too,” said Dustin Morris, campaign manager for Dr. Prasanth Reddy’s race for Kansas 3rd District. “Our local and congressional candidates form the backbone that a Republican administration will rely on. Supporting these campaigns ensures that we have a strong, cohesive team ready to implement the changes and values we all believe in.”
Eric Pahls, campaign strategist for Derek Schmidt’s campaign for Kansas 2nd District, said these last days of the Trump roller coaster had clearly illustrated the importance of financial support to candidates who share the vision conservatives want to pursue in a new administration.
“We are thrilled to see the record support for President Trump,” Pahls said. “As Kansans rightfully chip in to help him against these attacks, they should additionally look to help those like Derek Schmidt who will have Trump’s back and help grow his majority in the House.”
Additional Kansas regulations apply for local and state race contributions.
Those looking to contribute to Trump’s campaign can do so here. Kansas congressional candidates and state legislative contenders also accept donations from their websites and local candidates can be contacted for contributions directly or through their web or social media presence or campaign literature.
Dane Hicks is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. He is the author of novels "The Skinning Tree" and "A Whisper For Help." As publisher of the Anderson County Review in Garnett, KS., he is a recipient of the Kansas Press Association's Boyd Community Service Award as well as more than 60 awards for excellence in news, editorial and photography.
