Many campaigns have pushed low dollar fundraisers, but Sen. Edwards seems to be making it a theme over the past month.  One explanation for this new effort could be the success of the Barack Obama to raise money in increments of $100 or less. Edwards, like Obama, will be able to turn back to these new donors month after month and appeal for an additional contribution.

 This past Sunday was John Edwards’s birthday, and the campaign used the milestone to focus on smaller contributions.  10,000 contributors by last Sunday was the goal, and according the campaign a total of 10,646 people gave more than $271,000.

“Small Change for Big Change” is another example of the Edwards’ campaign strategy of low dollar fundraising, spending yesterday in Austin and moving on to Chicago tonight for a dinner party. While events like these are normally priced at least $1,000, tickets for Edwards’ “Change” functions are a mere $15 a head, making him easily accessible to his supporters.  More than 800 people turned out to see the presidential contender.

The key link between these events is technology.  Team Edwards has adeptly used technology to promote these low dollar fundraisers.  YouTube videos are on the campaign website from the Miami and Texas events along with the birthday celebration.  The staff utilizes the campaign Web site and email announcements in conjunction with local medial to notify the community of the campaign visit.  Without the technology raising large amounts of money in small increments becomes nearly impossible.