Democrats Make Plans to Fete Bundlers

Obama campaign to show appreciation to major fundraisers -- and to spur them on for general election

by Bara Vaida

Monday, Aug. 25, 2008


Every presidential campaign--even Barack Obama's--counts on major money "bundlers" who can raise huge sums. Although the senator from Illinois has touted his ability to use small donations to fuel his race for the White House, the fact is, he has fundraising experts who know how to haul in the really big checks from a variety of donors.

Individuals on Obama's national finance committee bundled $250,000 or more in donations during the primary season and have pledged to raise another $285,000 for the general election. This week's convention provides a perfect opportunity for Obama; his wife, Michelle; and now his running mate, Joe Biden; to thank these bundlers--and to spur them on--at a series of cocktail parties, campaign briefings, and private meetings.

That is according to a person familiar with the finance committee's schedule in Denver. And in addition to those events, the bundlers were guaranteed convention credentials and hotel rooms in Denver. "This is all about donor maintenance," said an Obama bundler, who didn't want to be named.

A total of 552 individuals have bundled $50,000 or more for Obama, and 36 individuals and couples bundled $500,000 or more so far, according to the watchdog group Public Citizen. All the attention lavished on the high rollers raises questions among watchdogs about what donors might get in return for their fundraising efforts.

"Receptions and prime seats at convention halls are one thing, but you wonder if these people [would be] first in line for ambassadorships, positions on regulatory boards, and other paybacks in an Obama administration," said Massie Ritsch, spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics.

Among the special events this week for bundlers: a kick-off party on Sunday afternoon at the Blue Sky Grill in the Pepsi Center; a reception today with Democratic Party officials at Earls restaurant; a Tuesday afternoon lunch at the Palm, followed by an after-hours party on Tuesday at Lola; and a Wednesday morning briefing with a senior Obama strategist at the Ellie Caukins Opera House.

After Biden's speech on Wednesday night, bundlers are invited to an hour-long reception with the vice presidential candidate in a private room in the Pepsi Center, and then on Thursday morning, Barack and Michelle Obama are hosting a breakfast at the Hyatt Regency. After Obama's acceptance speech, he is scheduled to mingle with bundlers at a private lounge inside Invesco Field.

CRP's Ritsch cautioned that the parties given for donors may also just be a way for Obama to keep his fundraisers motivated. He said, "You won't get people to raise this kind of money for you without making them feel special."

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