The Blog Candidate in Kentucky Wins

His campaign manager says the candidate uses the Internet "almost exclusively for fantasy baseball." But that didn't stop Democratic congressional candidate Ben Chandler from buying $2000 in advertising on a series of left-leaning political blogs, reports Wired Magazine. Desperate for cash and slipping in the polls, the gamble paid off - ultimately raising $80,000. The campaign added radio and cable advertising to their mix, and on Tuesday, won the special election to Congress - moving one seat from the GOP column to the Democrats. (Visit ChandlerForCongress.org)

The lesson? Get creative. As voters get used to the idea of donating money online, you've got to reach out to new audiences that are motivated and interested. Figure out where your potential donors are hanging out, and make your pitch.

This item was originally posted at MandateMedia.com on February 19, 2004.