Agree. Up until 2016, I had never donated to a campaign. Then I donated to President Trump’s campaign and some state races I thought were important.
And I thoroughly enjoyed giving the RNC hell when they solicited me. Why donate to the party and loose control over how your money is spent? I’d rather donate straight to the candidate.
This is the key argument to make...in that the RNC is really collection of comical characters hooked up to some weird lobbyists and trying to game the system with people like McCain, Romney or Ryan. So why support them? Go to your candidates that you like and support your own state office holders instead. I’ve reached a point where I think it’s a total waste to spend a dime in California for any GOP candidate.