Democrats plan to kick fundraising to high gear

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Wed, Sep. 29, 2004

Democrats plan to kick fundraising to high gear

The Democratic Party is using Thursday's presidential debate to increase its fundraising activities in the state.

BY BEATRICE E. GARCIA
[email protected]


The massive rally planned for Miami Arena on Thursday to watch President Bush and Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry debate will feature celebrities including singer Carole King, and political up-and-comers like Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano. And a cache of big donors will be on hand, toting their checkbooks.

The price of admission to a private post-debate bash, which includes a chance to rub shoulders with Kerry, is $1,000. But contributions of up $25,000, which would go to the Democratic National Committee, will gladly be accepted.

With the first presidential debate taking place at the University of Miami, the state's Democrats have kicked their fundraising machine into high gear. Their aim is broad: Reach out to major backers in the business community, tap upwardly mobile young professionals -- including Hispanic and black leaders, and picking up contributions from the average Joe.

The Republicans are bypassing the fundraising, but have parties and rallies in the works to show local support for the Bush-Cheney ticket, including a post-debate gathering in Coconut Grove with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Gen. Tommy Franks in attendance.
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