Have you noticed that the words ‘survey’ and ‘solicitation’ have become synonymous in this election campaign season? All those political mailings on behalf of both major parties asking for voter opinion always have an accompanying contribution form for use with check or credit card. The same format is used by candidates directly, their party organization or Political Action Committee surrogates with astonishing repetition. I’d like to see the related statistical results. How many times is there a reflexive response to this ongoing barrage of requests for financial support? What are the percentages for the typically suggested range of donations, the number of “big hits” above the range, and the frequency of responses to multiple requests? Does it help to enclose a stamped return envelope for checks? Is it more productive to enable credit-card contributions? Do success rates differ demonstrably by political party in response time or average amount? Not surprisingly, it’s all about the money. Which method produces the most predictable and cost-effective results – e-mail, conventional mail, telephone call, personal visit, street signage, newspaper article or advertisement, radio or video messaging, hired surrogates? Let’s hear what the winners did and what the less successful would do differently. Once elected, we’d hope for spending discretion. Phil Osifer