Episode 18: Campaign Fundraisers
Congressional candidates are always looking for ways to raise money for their political campaigns. A lot of money. According to the crosspartisan political reform group IssueOne, a typical House member raises $3,400 a day during campaign season. If it’s a close election, they are raising $9,100 a day.
by Kitty Felde
But the big money is in California, often referred to as “the ATM of politics.”
California has two draws: Hollywood and high tech, both feature folks with deep pockets. According to The Los Angeles Times, one of the more famous Hollywood fundraiser was hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow for the Democratic National Committee. The event featured not only Barack Obama, but also Julia Roberts, Robert Downey Jr., Diane von Furstenberg, Barbra Streisand, Tobey Maguire, Billy Crystal, Jack Black and Salma Hayek
Republicans have found friendly funders in California in Silicon Valley, where Oracle tech founder Larry Ellison opened his house to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Orange County is another place to raise GOP campaign cash.
The Los Angeles Times also reports that individual California donors have contributed more than $88 million to the Harris campaign and over $32 million to the Trump campaign. The numbers reflect the $3,300 contribution limit for contributions to individual candidates. Individuals have contributed millions more to political action committees.
Papa’s idea was to use food to attract donors. He’s not the only one.
Pancake breakfasts, barbeques, dinners at DC steakhouses - all are popular fundraising events.
Pie in the Face
The political fundraising company Fundly suggests a different incentive: hold a “Pie-the-Politician” event. “Who wouldn’t want to pay for the chance to pie their politician in the face? If you need to raise a little extra money and don’t mind the mess, you can host a pie-throwing event!
All you’ll need to do is fill some tin foil pie pans with whipped cream and find a crowd of supporters who can throw them in the face of your politician or candidate.”
Given the current nastiness over anything political these days, Fundly adds: “Make sure that everyone knows that the event is supposed to be in good fun.”
Fun is the Theme
A few memorable political fundraisers from Politico:
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang held his fundraiser at New York’s Karaoke City, which bills itself as “Midtown Manhattan’s Largest Karaoke Experience.”
Another presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg, rented a suite at legendary Fenway Park (where the Boston Red Sox play) for a fundraiser.
Raffles and bingo are popular, including several that offered guns as prizes.
How times have changed.
Back in 1968, when Bobby Kennedy was running for president, his campaign offered a “two for one” deal. A contribution got you tickets to two events with the Senator: a cocktail party in Orange County and a “star-studded gala” in Los Angeles.
The price for both? $10.
Here’s the fiction inspired by the facts:
In Episode 18 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina and her sister Gabby are guests at their father’s political fundraiser, featuring the best food truck chefs in Los Angeles. Fina’s a bit concerned:
FINA: Papa, do I have to ask people for money?
PAPA: That’s my job.
GABBY: Our job is to smile and eat tacos.