A few months ago, the word on the street was, “Google Ron Paul.”

My advice today is, “Google Money Bomb.”

The Libertarian Party, and parts of the Republican Party, are seeing dollar signs. They just want to say “Money Bomb” and rake in the easy money. The only “money bomb” fundraiser that I found that made any attempt at originality was by Mike Munger – he called his fundraiser a “Money Grenade.” His attempt was still pathetic.

Fundraising is not that easy – nor should it be. Fundraising should be about raising money to achieve well-defined goals. If you are one of the 7,219 hits I got when I googled “Money Bomb” on Google’s blogsearch, I advise you to think twice.

In this busy campaign season, you need to distinguish yourself from the crowd. For Libertarians, if you are running for any office higher than state representative, I assure you now that you are not going to win – and if you are asking people to donate money to your campaign, you’d better have another reason. Otherwise, your money bomb is going to be a dud and you are going to look like a pathetic loser.

I am especially leveling my criticism at Scotty Boman in my home state of Michigan. In 1994, Jon Coon ran for U.S. Senator in Michigan with the goal of bringing attention to the gun issue and the right to keep and bear arms. He made an impact and a difference. In 2000, Michael Corliss ran for U.S. Senator in Michigan, and we targeted the Republican incumbent, Spence Abraham, for defeat, and succeeded (remember this radio ad?). What will Scotty Boman do to distinguish himself like his predecessors? You should have the idea in hand before you ask for the money!

I am not suggesting that anybody not run. I am not suggesting that anybody not try to raise money. I encourage all Libertarians to run. But fundraising is a value proposition – you must offer something of value if you expect people to donate. If you think you are just going to say “Money Bomb” and bring in the easy money, then you are nothing more than a pathetic con-artist.