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An exploratory committee tests the waters for a potential presidential candidate, assessing voter support and fundraising ability. It can also raise funds and generate media attention, helping to determine a candidate’s viability and popularity.
An exploratory committee is just what it sounds like, a committee set up to explore the idea of running for president. The formation of an exploratory committee is often referred to as “testing the waters.” The exploratory committee works to determine whether a prospective candidate can expect enough support to make the effort of seeking the nomination worthwhile. In addition to voter support, the exploratory committee also investigates whether a potential candidate will actually be able to raise the kind of money needed to run an effective campaign.
Nowadays it takes a lot of money to launch a viable and competitive campaign. Some applicants simply fail to raise the millions of dollars needed. If the exploratory committee anticipates an inability to raise essential campaign funds, the prospective candidate will announce that he or she does not intend to run after all. Others will learn they are in a good position to continue a campaign and announce that they are running. This usually occurs closer to the primary election.
An exploratory committee is also a good avenue to raise funds. Applicants are generally not required to disclose money raised and spent during the exploratory committee stage. Only after announcing his actual candidacy, each person is required to fully account for funds.
The exploratory committee stage also offers other opportunities for prospective candidates, such as often being the recipient of free airtime. Long before the primary elections are held, the media will start speculating about who will run. Some political strategists will then start making suggestions about their client’s possible formation of an exploratory committee, in order to gain cover. If a candidate then forms an exploratory committee, it adds excitement to the news, drawing even more media attention to the potential candidate.
Information services will continue to assess the candidate’s progress and speculate on his ability to be a competitor. This obviously helps keep his name in the news and all this extra attention usually goes a long way towards candidates with an exploratory committee. It’s useful not only for free advertising, but also because it offers better evidence of whether or not voters are enthusiastic about the candidate. It also helps determine how popular a candidate might be compared to other applicants.
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