Romney’s “Expand The Map” raises $9 million

As a final effort to raise funds for his campaign, Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney launched ExpandTheMap.com to raise $7 million in seven days in order to combat Obama’s campaign funding. He announced his presidential plan to create 12 million new jobs on the website. 

Economics professor Burton Abrams said he thinks Romney’s attempt at last minute fundraising could be beneficial in reaching undecided voters. He said the effective use of the campaign money could be good for Romney, depending on what he spends it on.

“Obviously $7 million is not going to directly translate into 12 million jobs,” Abrams said. “However, if it gets a person into office, it can help create 12 million jobs.” 

Abrams said while Romney has run an effective campaign, President Barack Obama has been stronger in raising money. He said Obama’s role as president and his campaign strategy have been major contributing factors in his success.

Junior Mary Crowley, a public policy and economics major and a member of UD College Democrats, said she did not think expand the map would be successful at this point in the campaign. The attempt at fundraising was pointless because it was too late, she said.

“I think it’s kind of foolish, because if you look at what you can buy this close to the election, there’s not much left to buy,” Crowley said. “At this late in the game, there is no more air time to buy.”

In the last stage of the election, face-to-face campaigning is more effective than using commercial political messages, she said. Romney’s campaign money would be better spent on recruiting volunteers to go door-to-door, Crowley said.

Sophomore Elizabeth Catt, President of College Republicans, said she thinks it was important for Romney to host a last minute fundraiser in order to secure the election. She said she thinks the funds can effectively help Romney reach voters in states who may not receive his message. The influx of money in the last few days before the election can provide a boost for Romney to increase his media presence.

 “It’s a very crucial period right before the election,” Catt said. “No effort is too late when it comes to winning a presidential election.”

Sophomore Kevin Pregent, Secretary of College Independents, said while Obama has more campaign money than Romney, he does not think the difference is significant enough to favor a specific candidate. He said he does not think funds will be what decide the presidential race.

Pregent said continual spending until Election Day benefits both candidates because there are enough undecided voters who may be able to change the tide of the election. Getting the candidates’ messages across in these states can decide a winner.

“The candidates will probably focus on the swing states,” Pregent said. “There are even swing counties within states that the candidates should focus  on.”

Pregent said he believes Romney’s promise of 12 million jobs is important for voters to think about before voting. College students in particular should consider this pledge, he said, as most will be looking for work at some point within the next presidential term. 

Catt said while economic issues like job creation are an important factor for college students to consider, it is not the only factor that should be noted when voting. She said college students in particular most likely considered social issues such as gay marriage and contraception rights when voting.