Posts tagged fundraising
Holding Politicians Accountable
Ugh:
“The all-consuming quest for dollars is part of Washington’s permanent, intensely waged campaign for party dominance. It cuts deeply into the typical day of lawmakers, robbing them of time they could spend building relationships with colleagues, dealing with constituent problems, and delving into policy issues. It is a major contributor to party gridlock, and keeps lawmakers dependent on the good graces of lobbyists and other special interests seeking favor on Capitol Hill.”
George Bush raising money in DC
George P. Bush, that is, the son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. He’s running for Texas Land Commissioner:
Some of Washington’s most powerful Republican donors are playing host at a Wednesday evening fundraiser for George P. Bush, a candidate for Texas Land Commissioner and the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
Attendees are paying $500 for the event taking place at the National Association of Wholesale-Distributors Office, according to a copy of the invitation. Among those expected to attend are Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Rep. Aaron Shock, R-Illinois.
The rich and fabulous cross-country club catering adventures of Mitch McConnell
“His campaign paid Hollywood player Bruce Ramer $3,100 for catering and rental space to woo the Ashley Judd crowd in Beverly Hills. It also paid catering bills of $6,509 at The Olde Farm in Bristol, VA, $828 to Undine in Boston, $677 to the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, $765 to The Chicago Club in Obama City, $770 to the Chops Lobster Bar in Atlanta, and $741 to Mangia Caterers in Bloomberg’s gun-grabbing Big Apple. McConnell also spent well over $10,000 of catering bills inside the Beltway to Belle Haven and Bon Vivant Catering, perhaps feeding the good folks at pharmaceutical giant Amgen, whose PAC threw a fundraiser in his honor on Dec. 17 in DC.”
From an interview with retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
Huffington Post reports on the fundraising expectations of new Democratic members, including their “call time” when they are dialing for dollars:
The daily schedule prescribed by the Democratic leadership contemplates a nine or 10-hour day while in Washington. Of that, four hours is to be spent in “call time” and another hour is blocked off for “strategic outreach,” which includes fundraisers and press work. An hour is walled off to “recharge,” and three to four hours are designated for the actual work of being a member of Congress — hearings, votes, and meetings with constituents. If the constituents are donors, all the better. The presentation assured members that their fundraising would be closely monitored; the Federal Elections Commission requires members to file quarterly reports.
Roll Call: Campaign Fundraisers in D.C. Continue Despite Recess
Congress might be in recess—but the fundraising never stops.
Los Angeles Times: Indian tribes, with more clout and money, find an ally in Obama
“The tribes have shown their gratitude, giving at least $2.5 millionto Obama’s reelection campaign through the end of July — far outstripping their donations in other recent presidential elections, according to data provided by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.”
Presidential candidates have always tailored their messages: the speech delivered to oil workers may vary from one to religious leaders. But this year, a single group — wealthy donors — has consumed time and energy as never before, creating an almost parallel campaign with its own rhythm, format and sometimes even message.
Politico: Democrats chase cash with flash in Charlotte
Democrats have grumbled that President Barack Obama hasn’t done enough to help them raise cash, and so some of the party’s biggest names are taking matters into their own hands at this week’s Democratic National Convention.
Unlimited-money Democratic outside groups striving to keep within in shouting distance of big GOP outfits like the Karl Rove-conceived Crossroads groups are banking on help from a A-list liberal pols and celebrities like Jessica Alba and culinary legend Alice Waters.
George Clooney raised almost $15 million for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign at the actor’s Los Angeles home in May. For his second act, Clooney is set to arrive Monday in Geneva, a center for international organizations, governance and business.
Organizers expect to pull in a more modest amount of about $500,000 from U.S. donors for Obama’s campaign, with many flying in to Geneva from around the world.
Americans Abroad for Obama, the event’s sponsor, says on its Web site that guests are paying $15,000 per person to dine with Clooney, $5,000 for a photo with him and $1,000 to attend a reception before the dinner. About 30 people are attending the dinner, with at least 100 at the reception.
The Center for Responsive Politics reported recently on all the money President Obama and Mitt Romney have received from Americans abroad.
