Posted on 06/10/2002 7:24:45 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
WASHINGTON -- The Republican team of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney is closing in on $90 million raised for the party for this fall's congressional elections. That's nine times the take so far of the marquee Democratic draw, Bill Clinton.
The disparity illustrates the Democrats' need to develop a fund-raising star, besides Clinton, who routinely could raise $1 million or more just by showing up.
If Bush and Cheney continue at their current pace, it sets up a potentially immense financial advantage for Republicans in the November fight for congressional control, experts say.
"If the Republicans beat history and hold the House and retake the Senate, money will be the main reason why," said Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist.
With five months of campaigning to go, Bush has raised at least $59.6 million and Cheney at least $8.2 million for Republicans from fewer than 30 events each this year. They are expected to raise at least $20 million for congressional races at a GOP dinner this month in Washington.
As the Clinton administration did, Republicans supplement presidential efforts with fund raising by Cabinet secretaries and White House aides, such as political adviser Karl Rove. First lady Laura Bush also is expected to campaign.
Democrats have their own fund-raisers traveling the country.
They include potential 2004 presidential candidates such as former Vice President Al Gore, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri, Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.
GOP fund-raiser Haley Barbour said Republicans went years without a star fund-raiser after Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush left office.
In 1993, the GOP took in a record amount by rebuilding the party's small-donor base.
For example:
"Vote for me and I'll write a bill for ________"
a) universal healthcare
b) free electricity
c) no pollution
d) all of the above.
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