Liberals in Trouble: Fundraising in Saskatchewan 2006

I've had a little time lately so I've been checking out the Elections Canada website.

I did a quick analysis of the fundraising performance of candidates in Saskatchewan during the 2006 election.

So here's what I found (and its pretty tell of what happened in Saskatchewan in the last election)

Fundraising totals:

Conservative (N=14 candidates)
Average number of contributions per candidate = 166
Average contribution = $210.60

NDP (N=14 candidates)
Average number of contributions per candidate = 76
Average contribution = $146.34

Liberal (N=12 candidates)
Average number of contributions per candidate = 58
Average contribution = $333.00

Conclusion:
What the results from Saskatchewan show us is that on the ground, in the ridings, Liberal candidates did not have a broad base of support and could not raise money from many people. This is understandable if you understand Saskatchewan politics, but it also underscores the importance for the party to build a fundraising base that focuses primarily on small donors. Contributors are probably more likely to vote and get involved.

During the leadership campaign, we should be asking ourselves who is best to build a national fundraising network? Who has the name recognition and appeal to build a network quickly and effectively? With the new $1000.00 limit, the Liberals will have to move quickly to change the way the party raises money.