[Rick Lee]

When I was working at the RNC, the vast majority of the party's money came in checks of $25 or less and at that same time the vast majority of Dems' money came in checks of over $1000. We still outfundraised them every day of the week because the RNC had a huge network of grassroots, low-dollar supporters who would write a few checks per year. The Dems didn't have that at all and that's one of the reasons Terry McAuliffe took over. He was a direct mail pro. Now it's a little more evened out beause of him, but also because of 527's (I forget the right digits). Anyway, that whole thing about Republicans being richer is a myth. They just have more passion among the rank and file.

As for advertising, if you can't survive in the free market, you should be out of business. Rush's audience numbers dwarf those of most other radio talk shows combined, which is why his stations get the advertisers. Air America, much like Mario Cuomo's old radio show, just doesn' have much appeal.