Ever Wonder How Much U.S. Campaign Staffers Make?

What are the salaries for U.S. campaign staffers? Find out how much Clinton spends on media consultants, why Ron Paul is the Scrooge of all candidates, and why Obama’s employees are loving their generous boss. Digital Journal — A lot of ink is being spilled about how much money Republic and Democratic candidates are raising for their run for the party bid. But lost in the financial talk is how much campaign staffers pull in for their continuing efforts to put their boss in the limelight. A recent investigation found campaign staffers can pull in anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 annually, much higher than four years ago. Campaign worker salaries got some attention recently in light of two recent news stories: Hillary Clinton’s senior campaign staff will work without pay in February, and 12 staffers working for Rudy Giuliani gave up their paycheques in January to “help save dwindling campaign funds.” But those who stay on board can expect a high income. According to Slate, Patti Solis Doyle, Clinton's campaign manager, rakes in an annual salary of $164,000. McCain's chief of staff, Mark Salter, enjoyed a $200,000 salary from the campaign at one point in his career. Media consultants are becoming increasingly important to candidates, and their salary reflects that growing trend. In the last quarter of 2007, Clinton paid $1.2 million to her consultant Mandy Grunwald's firm, while Mitt Romney wrote a $17 million cheque to a group of several media consultants. Barack Obama spent about $338,000 on AKP Message & Media, the firm of his campaign manager, David Plouffe, and media consultant, David Axelrod. Speechwriters can also live a life of luxury when they’re getting paid $15,000 per speech, which is common practice. Annual salaries for full-time speechwriters vary between $50,000 and $90,000. A recent analysis of each candidate’s payroll shows why working for politicians non-stop can be a lucrative career move: Obama spent the most on his staff last year ($20.3 million), followed by McCain ($15.4 million) and Clinton (just under $15 million). Ron Paul took dead last with a payroll of $1.5 million. So what does this say about individual campaigns? Well, it was well-known that Romney had deep pockets and look where he is today (sleeping in, most likely). But if Obama rewards staffers with high paycheques, doesn’t logic presume that those people will be more satisfied and work better for Obama? That might be creating a causal link where there isn’t, especially if you take to heart the maxim, “Money doesn’t buy you happiness.” And money doesn’t buy you a nomination. Or does it?