There are plenty of donors (like me) who do not go through Act Blue, but rather send checks. Ergo, the true amount actually donated will be higher. Keep in mind, though, that $151 million donated through Act Blue means Act Blue keeps $6 million and the credit card companies keep another $4 million to $6 million. With checks, the candidates keep 100% of the funds donated. It may be old fashioned, but in tight races where every cent of the campaign budgets count, that margin could matter.

Not all of our candidates will win. A losing candidate with no personal fortune is still responsible for debts incurred during the campaign. I doubt Act Blue or Mastercard will be stepping in, offering to help out.

Everybody and his brother gets in line with their hand out.
I have very little in terms of resources, I can’t be everyone’s rich uncle.

I’m in Dallas for a brief visit, and had a pile of letters literally a foot high waiting for me, all asking for money. Many were from candidates/causes I had already donated to, and many were from people that could never ever have heard of me or have my U.S. address. I really don’t need to be “stepping up” to contribute to the race for city dog catcher in North Platte, Nebraska.

We still get mail from Mark Kelly. (Nothing against the man.) It's a source of amusement from us, how many "give us money" letters we get. I also get daily text messages from the Biden campaign, asking me to please send more.

Candidates buy/sell/trade your info.

Hi Steve,

Thanks so much for reaching out!

I'm happy to confirm that ActBlue will only share your information with the specific committees, campaigns, or organizations that you have contributed to. We share the information that they need to comply with relevant campaign finance laws and regulations, as well as your email address so that they can get in touch with you.

We don’t sell or otherwise transfer your information to any third parties. We also do not solicit on behalf of the organizations and campaigns that use our platform. If you or your donors are receiving solicitations from them, you will need to unsubscribe directly from the organization or campaign. I hope that this information is helpful.

Please feel free to be in touch if there’s anything else that I can do!

Best,
Sophie

A few months ago I was chatting with someone I hadn't seen a while. He's a former Iowan. When the topic turned to our dismal political landscape here, I mentioned one of our bright lights, Rob Sand. Before the night was over, he had donated to Rob's campaign through Sand's ActBlue link on his site. Quick and easy.

So, obviously, I commend any contribution made to him. Act Blue thrives off the convenience aspect they have set up, and I’m sure the 3.95% they rake off the top stems from a time when their turnover was a fraction of what it is now. Like any good business model, they hit upon a successful formula, and are capitalizing on it in spades. But when their cut takes over $15 million a year away from Democratic candidates, some of whom desperately need every cent they can get, I’ll gladly make out the check, buy the stamp, and take the time to send it off. The price of the stamp is my convenience charge. If someone wants to contribute $1000 to a candidate (and can afford it), $39.50 to Act Blue plus another $35 to VISA seems like quite a hefty convenience charge to me.

along with Sen Harkin and some other IA peoples. But that's another story.

Most people I know don't have the luxury to donate $1000. Like me they are using AB to give 20 or 30 bucks to someone via a link from social media. The most I've ever donated through AB was a recurring monthly donation of $15 to our now former 3rd district Rep Cindy Axne. At in-person events (like the aforementioned) wife and I will donate via cash or check.

I gave twice this quarter, will probably do again in June.

On and off the DU/Act Blue link, but mostly through direct donation links. I, too, hate giving Act Blue a percentage of every donation PLUS the "tip" they're always asking for.
My donations have already exceeded 2020's. I do receive a nice White House Christmas card from Joe and Jill each year, though. 😊

They have staff to pay along with all the other expenses associated with.an online transaction. Any other transaction service would also takea cut.

I'm sure the management of Act Blue are well paid. I refuse to tip 10% every time I make a donation to every Democrat running for office, and Act Blue makes sure every one of them has your contact information, too. I'm bombarded with emails and fundraising literature in the mail each and every day.

They are ALL in a pinned post at the top of GD: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218885532

OS