GOP aims to copy Dem fundraising power with new online tool

WASHINGTON — Republicans are launching a new online fundraising platform that they hope will rival ActBlue, the Democrats’ internet-based fundraising behemoth.

Called WinRed, it’s a play by the GOP to replicate Democrats’ success raising massive amounts from grassroots supporters who typically give just a few dollars online at a time.

ActBlue was instrumental in the Democratic Party’s 2018 midterm successes, with the non-profit pulling in well over $1 billion for candidates that primarily came from low-dollar donors.

Republicans have a number of similar for-profit platforms. But they’ve had far less success than ActBlue, which saves donors’ information and allows them to give with a few taps of a smartphone.

Now Republicans hope WinRed will enable them to harness giving from their base. The party has typically relied most on big-dollar donors.

Brian Slodysko, The Associated Press