Dem convention panel faces $15 million shortfall

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Source: The Raw Story

The host committee for the Democratic National Convention faces a possible shortfall of $15 million, complicating logistics for the August event and forcing it to abruptly postpone a media walkthrough of the site scheduled for next week.

The Democratic National Committee has asked the cash-strapped panel to raise $40.6 million by Monday to finance the event. Last month, the committee said it had just $25 million in cash, and it has failed to meet each of several fundraising deadlines since signing a contract with the DNC last year.

Host committee members consistently have refused public comment on their fundraising efforts. Committee spokesman Chris Lopez could not immediately be reached by telephone Friday.

Last week, Denver city auditor Dennis Gallagher sent a letter to Mayor John Hickenlooper saying taxpayers are concerned they may get stuck with the tab if Denver can't come up with another $15 million by Monday.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/news/mochila/Dem_convention_panel_faces_15_milli_06132008.html

[Carnea]

1. Obama needs to find a way to open some checkbooks.

This is his party (in more ways than one) he needs to through some weight around.

[LiberalFighter]

2. They need to reduce expenditures if they haven't already.

Are there any events they can cut?

Or cut some staffing?

[cigsandcoffee]

3. $40 million could probably feed a poor African village for 300 years,

What do they spend all of this money on? It's amazing when you think about it.

[DUlover2909]

4. That's what I was wondering. Why is it so expensive?

We could use that money to actually fund campaigns.

[saracat]

5. Guess Howie isn't that good at raising money?

[MaineDem]

7. This isn't the DNC...it's Denver

The host committee promised so much to the DNC when they bid for the convention. This is money they (the Denver people) would raise, not the Democratic National Committee. These are for expenses promised by the host committee that the DNC wouldn't have to pay.

[GreenTea]

6. Looks it's like time for me to donate again to the DNC.

Right now, as a matter of fact.

[2Design]

8. convention is a waste of money - over 1 year of political posturing

by both parties is a waste of money - let's shorten this cycle to one like Canada - I hate to see all this money wasted on pomp and circumstance based on political posturing -