Palin Effect
``Sarah Palin’s attacks have rallied our supporters in ways we never expected,’’ Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said.
McCain fundraisers say Palin, who supports gun owners’ rights and opposes abortion rights, has caused formerly recalcitrant Republicans to open their checkbooks.
``She’s energized the base,’’ said former New York Senator Alfonse D’Amato, who has raised at least $250,000 for McCain, 72. ``Money will not be a problem.’’
The day after her speech, Palin, 44, signed a fundraising e-mail.
``Your support is very important as we face the Obama Democrats and their vicious attacks,’’ Palin wrote.
In the last two days, the Republican National Committee has taken in $17 million, a campaign aide said. McCain reported raising $10 million just after the Aug. 29 announcement of Palin as his vice-presidential choice; the campaign took in more than $47 million in August, its biggest fundraising month.
Obama has yet to disclose his August figures, due at the Federal Election Commission Sept. 20.
McCain can no longer take in private donations except to pay certain legal and accounting costs, so all the money raised goes to the national party and some state parties. In addition, McCain can turn over any leftover money in his primary account to the Republican National Committee.
``There will be more than enough funds to do everything that needs to be done,’’ Mahe said. ``They will not have to make a decision not to do something because of money.’’