Big donor Steyer's presidential run could deny millions to other Democratic races

[DonViejo]

JULY 19, 2019 / 6:22 AM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

Sharon Bernstein
5 MIN READ

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - Billionaire Tom Steyer, a longtime friend and key donor to liberal candidates and causes, says he decided to run for the Democratic presidential nomination next year because no other candidate was offering a “mandate for change”.

But by deciding to fund his long-shot bid with $100 million of his own money, some Democratic activists believe all he will end up doing is denying his money to grassroots organizations and candidates in Senate and House races that Democrats are desperate to win.

Steyer’s political bona fides and passion are not in question. He has worked for years on issues of climate change and voter engagement and donated about $170 million since 2015 to his independent political action committees, Need to Impeach and NextGen America.

During the 2017-2018 election cycle, he was the second-largest donor to Democratic and liberal candidates and causes, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-steyer/big-donor-steyers-presidential-run-could-deny-millions-to-other-democratic-races-idUSKCN1UE147

[Autumn]

1. It's his money and party he can run if he wants to.

[oldsoftie]

2. Another ego candidate.

[Princetonian]

4. Steyer puts his money where his mouth is.

I am glad he is in the race. He is in the race to have a say in the platform and to air his very strong views on impeachment (he formed a group dedicated to it) and environmental conservation (another group). He also poured millions during the 2018 midterm cycle to form a GOTV group to help Democrats. In 2018, a record 60 million voters voted for Democrats.

I admire him for his advocacy and support to the party. He is also quite unapologetically liberal.

[Peacetrain]

3. Steyer is example one of good intentions , without well thought out execution..

[MoonRiver]

5. My bet is when he loses the nomination (which he will IMHO), he will start funding the winner.

I'm glad he's in the race. He won't be timid when talking about impeachment, climate change and other important issues. Other than the primary, he has nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of his impact on Democratic goals and values.