When is the best time to donate to a campaign?

[laurieu]

I really can't afford to make more than one donation to candidates such Sara Gideon in Maine and whoever runs against Mitch. I just now made my one donation to the candidate running against the odious Daryl Metcalfe here in PA. The candidate is an unknown and I think, because he's an unknown, the money could be best used now. But in higher profile elections, when is donation money most useful and effective?

[lastlib]

1. Yesterday. Last week. Last month......

Like the ladies say, "Early Money Is Like Yeast."

Early donations enable campaigns to do things and position themselves to build more resources down the road. Even if not spent immediately, having it in the bank is a talking point to many campaigns about their candidate's ability to raise the funds to conduct a proper campaign.

[ooky]

2. I always wait on the key races to develop and spread my donations to the close ones.

That's usually in the last month. But if I see someone I'm worried about slipping away sooner then I start sending money to that campaign, like with Biden in the primary, I made my donation right as New Hampshire was wrapping up and it looked like it might be do or die for him in SC.

[tinrobot]

3. Earlier is better. Gives them more time to spend it wisely.

I usually donate in the month after the primary, once the candidate is decided.