Michael-
You are comparing a Federal race by an unopposed candidate to win back a congressional seat, to a non-Federal statewide race with a crowded field with a lot of regional politics.

It’s like comparing apples and bowling balls.

Why not compare Hoeffel’s fundraising to Luksik?

I think you are giving Meehan more name-recognition credit than he deserves.

I do agree that the money factor does create a bar to entry for many worthy candidate that can’t raise enormous sums.

Considering that federal elections have contribution limits whereas state elections in PA do not, Meehan’s fundraising totals are even more impressive, and Hoeffel’s are even weaker. Hoeffel could have raised the bulk of his money from a handful of wealthy donors. Meehan’s donors are limited to $4600 in total for the primary and general.

David,

You keep talking in circles trying to defend your two favored Dems poor showing in fundraising. On the one hand, Pat Meehan raising $580,000 for the quarter in a race for Congress isn’t that impressive (even though it will likely be one of the highest in the country). Yet Lentz and Hoeffel raising $300,000 and $400,000 respectively makes them rockstars. Plus, as Peter noted, Meehan is bound by contribution limits. Hoeffel — who’s running for Governor — isn’t.

Your inability to be consistent shows you’re simply engaging in spin.

And poor spin at that!

why is meehan pumping his fundraising numbers before the deadline? does he need to reassure himself? do we know if meehans are all individula contribs?
where are you getting the numbers from? how do you know the Lentz numbers or are you just making them up to suit your purpose? heard lentz outraised meehan in the last “filed reports.” did meehan or lentz file their reports early?
As for heoffel, who cares!

suburban dem-
In the previous quarter, Lentz did edge out Meehan by a few thousand dollars, but they both had about $200,000. Effectively a tie.
The Lentz numbers come from his campaign manager, and there is no reason to doubt them. Similarly, Meehan would look pretty stupid/embarrassed to announce a number, then have it differ from what he files. Usually candidates wait for a while.
In this case, my guess is that Meehan was sure he’d out raised Lentz, so he announced. Lentz has two reasons to announce: Meehan already had, so he could leave it hanging. The second reason would be to intimidate the other Dem primary candidates.

Stosh-
Onorato is not getting anywhere in the SE, because of his conservative views and lack of name recognition. This makes Hoeffel VIABLE to win SE PA, and to overcome Onorato if Wagner splits the western PA vote. The primary is in May, not April, which gives Hoeffel almost 5 more months of fundraising and campaigning to get his name out there.
He can meet with the Ward leaders in Philly, who should endorse him from a “Dem platform” and regional basis. He should do well in Montco and Delco. Hoeffel can raise enough money to get his message out and he should do well in the televised debates.

Lentz will easily raise enough to get his message out. Meehan can counter-argue that message, but he won’t be able to prevent it being heard.

Hoeffel is an appealing candidate to progressives on the issues, which is key to capturing a primary.

Lentz is an appealing candidate with a great personal story and a great reputation. In a general election, Lentz can attract moderate Republicans, just like he did for his St. Leg district.

Stosh, both have a “path” to victory, which the fundraising differences make steeper. They can’t afford missteps and a few lucky breaks their way wouldn’t hurt. However, they can both raise enough money to win (assuming they hit the right notes with campaign message, etc.)

Money is certainly a good indicator, but once a campaign reaches a certain threshold, it becomes secondary.