Obama used the list to raise $690 million online in 2012
The Democratic National Committee has inherited the most prized voter email list on the market: President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign email data.
The Obama 2012 campaign list, which the DNC obtained this month and includes details about the amount donors gave and how they prefer to be contacted, will be a key tool in winning the 2016 election. With it, the Democratic nominee next year will gain access to a trove of millions of names and likely donors.
“The email list will help the DNC expand its reach online, build support for a new generation of leadership, and test new tactics for activating Democratic voters in future elections,” said DNC digital director Matt Compton. “Email is critically important tool for fundraising, grassroots engagement in support of key issues, and setting the record straight about the Republican candidates as well.”
The Obama 2012 campaign used its extensive, highly targeted email list to bring in small-dollar donations. The campaign raised $690 million online, and $214.3 million from donors giving less than $200.
The email list is the second strategic victory the DNC announced on Thursday: earlier, the Democratic party said it had concluded an agreement with Hillary Clinton that allows the party frontrunner to raise money for the DNC, to be allocated for a general election contest.
Obama’s turnout models and voter information were handed over to the Democratic party in late 2013.