The question for the former Governor's campaign is just how many of these summertime student-workers will meet or exceed the standards of the dedicated full-time staffers already on hand? At first blush it may seem like a good idea but the idea is fraught with peril for the candidate's campaign operations. One that could become an embarrassment to Romney in the short run and, a disaster in the long term. We can only speculate what the outcome of employing such a strategy might be but even the casual observer can see it is hoped that the unique offer will entice students to stay on at The Committee to Elect Mitt Romney in large enough numbers not to cause any significant disruption to the operation.

 Although it does solve a problem for Mitt that every candidate will face when schools let out for summer - how to keep the current college age staffers from packing it in when the weather turns hot - and everyone is thinking vacation. The Romney people are pinning their hopes on the prospect of earning a 10% commission will bring replacement workers into the campaign in droves who will be utilized as fill-ins for those who decide to go off and, enjoy their days of fun in the sun. The tactic exposes the campaign to the possibility of sharp criticisms and, steep pratfalls.

 Beyond the obvious drawback of having to train the inexperienced newcomers in how to professionally solicit donations, there is going to be the constant worry within Romney's inner-circle that a percentage (and it is hoped only a small percentage) of these 10%-ers will be unable to see the subtle difference between securing a legitimate contribution through accepted methods and, strongarming those who are either reluctant, unwilling or unable to donate to the cause.

 Some of Mitt's backers must also be harboring thoughts that this move is a harbinger of a much larger, darker problem lurking in the camp. As the numbers have shown, all of the candidates are reporting dollar figures below what each campaign is said to have expected in their war chests at this first financial marker. But when Romney decided it was in his best interest to offer a 'reward' of sorts to summer workers the move left some wondering how dire the situation actually is for Romney. Being as his campaign finance committee just released figures that were short of expectations, it is a given the candidate is not so flush with cash that he has decided to spread the wealth out if the goodness of his heart. That leaves only the "other" alternative. An objective observer or even a possible donor might ask themselves; How bad are things financially for the campaign, really?

 Will the 10%-irs remember that donors are giving to the candidate and, not specifically to them? Can they at all times, keep in mind that "the cause" is the campaign, and not their own wallets or bank accounts? And if they are rebuffed will they take it professionally, or personally? These things matter because it will come across clear as a bell to the person being beseeched to give till it hurts which way it truly is. And if it turns out that too many times donors feel 'put-upon' by Rumness solicitors, well, bad publicity seems to travel faster and, farther than ever before in subrace..

 Then there must be the fear that paying someone 10% of a donors 'investment in the candidate' won't go over well with the targeted donor list of the Romney people. Potential donors might shy away from giving $5,000.00 while knowing that $400.00 of it is going into the pocket of the person soliciting them on the other end of the phone. If that happens the smaller donations from the general public that every campaign counts on will dry up and, spell the end for Romney & Co.

 In one mans humble opinion, mine, Mitt Romney has risked it all very early in the process. And only time will tell if this innovative plan helps or hurts his quest for the presidency though no one can deny the third place candidate (4th place if the non-candidates are counted) isn't willing to try new things, to pull out all the stops in his effort to reach that goal. But if the 10% plan doesn't go as envisioned, it could crush Mitt's chances of fulfilling his dream in November 2008 just as easily.