Campaign finance reform is happening. Not because of new laws, but because of the Internet.

That’s the real story behind Barack Obama’s phenomenal fundraising totals in the second quarter. A lot of the money came in online. He built a base of hundreds of thousands of small contributors – nearly all of whom can give more, and more, and more in the months ahead.

The other campaigns are playing the old game: big-dollar events for big-dollar givers. That’s how the Clintons did it in the White House, that’s how they’re doing it now and that’s why they’re falling behind.

Of course, online fundraising works for Obama because he has energized grassroots givers. Not every candidate can do that.

This should be a healthy lesson for potential candidates – like a Grier Martin – for U.S. Senate in North Carolina.

Some Democrats are saying we should focus our “limited” resources on state offices, Congress and the legislature.

I disagree. Because our resources aren’t limited. Obama proves that.

A candidate who can get grassroots Democrats – not just in North Carolina, but also across the country – excited can tap into the same energy and same fundraising well Obama found. They’ll be many of the same people, in fact.

And a candidate who can beat Liddy Dole – given her televised performances during 2006 – can get people excited.

This is just a modern version of what Carter and the National Congressional Club did when they pioneered direct-mail fundraising. But this time you don’t have to pay for printing or postage.

It’s an exciting new world, and North Carolina Democrats should take advantage of it.

Click Here to discuss and comment on this and other articles.