Wall Street Journal: Software Firms Feel Political Heat in D.C.
The Wall Street JournalBy Amy Schatz | Wednesday, October 3, 2012WASHINGTON—Good software works for Republicans and Democrats alike, but successful software makers often don't.West Coast-based technology start-ups have flocked to Washington this campaign season in hopes of attracting some of the more than $300 million expected to be spent on Internet ads and other technology. Some are learning what political consultants have long understood: It isn't easy to sell neutrality in a town full of partisans...Erik Nilsson is a Republican, but on the issue of nonpartisan software firms he agrees... Mr. Nilsson is a vice president of CMDI, a firm that sells fundraising software and works only with Republicans.
"The current view in Washington is that when you spend money with a bipartisan product you're helping that vendor improve products that can be used by your opponent next cycle," Mr. Nilsson said.