Posted on 06/19/2003 6:29:07 AM PDT by PhiKapMom
THE NRSC HILLARY ALERT -- June 18, 2003
Selling Books, Raising Funds
Excerpts from Roll Call; June 16, 2003
When Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) starts criss-crossing the country this summer to promote her new book, “Living History,” she will be doing double duty as one of the Democratic Party’s top fundraisers.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has arranged for Clinton to attend at least seven fundraisers through August, planning these events around her ambitious book-signing schedule — which will take her from Chicago to San Francisco to Los Angeles in one 48-hour span later this month.
The former first lady will also appear at events for Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) and Patty Murray (Wash.) during book-signing visits to their states. All three Democratic incumbents are seeking re-election in 2004 and could face difficult battles.
“We basically said, ‘Well, you give us what you want and we will do the most of it we can,’” Clinton said of the fundraising requests made to her by party officials and colleagues.
Since her election to the Senate in 2000, Clinton has proven to be one of the most prolific Democratic fundraisers and perhaps the top draw on the rubber chicken circuit — due in part to her loyal following from the party base.
In the 2002 election cycle alone, Clinton donated more than $1.4 million to Democrats, spreading the bulk of the wealth to candidates, while also making donations to the DSCC, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Democratic National Committee and seeding state committees from Maine to Texas.
Earlier this year, Clinton held a fundraiser at her Washington, D.C., home that helped raise $500,000 for the DSCC. So far this year, Clinton has donated $15,000 to the DCCC from her leadership political action committee, HILLPAC, according to PoliticalMoneyLine.com.
DSCC Chairman Jon Corzine (N.J.) noted that Clinton “was going to play an important role before” the book tour because “she is very strong with our base.”
Now, Democrats are looking to capitalize on Clinton’s frenetic tour schedule by holding fundraising events in the same cities where she will be signing books. As of today, Clinton has at least 25 more stops on her book tour that will bring her to such cities as Minneapolis, Minn., and Blytheville, Ark.
“She is one of our stars,” said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). “She is a proven fundraiser, so the more she is able to get around the country, the more successful we’ll be.”
Corzine added, “With all members of the [Democratic] Caucus, anyway we can put together useful coordination of schedules for both fundraising and political benefit we will.”
Coinciding with her book tour, Clinton is scheduled to appear at DSCC events in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles this month. In July, the New York Senator will help raise money for the DSCC in New Jersey and Denver. And in August, the former first lady will appear at DSCC events in Atlanta and Cleveland.
On July 25, Clinton returns to Arkansas — where she once served as first lady — to promote her book and appear at a fundraiser for Lincoln. The New York Democrat will travel to Washington state to sign books and attend a fundraiser for Murray on Aug. 6.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee is also trying to raise money from its political base with its “Stop Hillary Now” campaign, which is premised on Clinton eyeing a future White House bid.
Republicans acknowledge they are keenly aware of Clinton’s fundraising prowess, with NRSC Chairman George Allen (Va.) describing her as “by far their biggest draw for liberal contributors to the Democratic Senate committee.”
“The reality is for her future success, she becomes more powerful and successful running the Democrats here in the Senate that puts her in a stronger position obviously in the future,” Allen said. “Most Republicans would think that Hillary Clinton leading policy in any position is contrary to our philosophies and our principles.”
Allen would not comment directly on the financial success so far of this fundraising pitch, but did note they expect it to help raise money that in turn can be used to help promote Republican candidates.
“We need our folks, who may not be as big contributors as those who contribute to Hillary Clinton and the Senate Democrats, but nevertheless we need our grassroots folks to help because our candidates will also need funds to get their messages out,” he said.
Excerpts from the Washington Times; June 7, 2003
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat, paused for a moment in the Senate chamber yesterday to contemplate the vote on the judicial appointment of Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff — once a vocal member of her "vast right-wing conspiracy."
She was the sole vote against Mr. Chertoff, who was confirmed 88-1 to a seat on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining the Attorney General's Office, Mr. Chertoff led the Senate investigation into the Clintons' failed Whitewater land deal.
At the Democratic policy table on the Senate floor, Mrs. Clinton appeared to clench and release her fists several times as she prepared to vote. Then she turned to the Senate clerk and jabbed a single finger downward.
At that, twittering broke out among a group of people sitting with Mr. Chertoff up in the visitors gallery. During the vote, numerous senators went upstairs to speak with Mr. Chertoff and those gathered with him…
Hillary's 'History' unveiled
Excerpts from The USA Today; June 3, 2003
After more than two years of keeping her head studiously low over her Senate desk, Hillary Rodham Clinton is about to do what her ardent admirers and dedicated detractors have long expected: She's launching a national campaign.
Not to win higher office, though. It's just to sell books. Or is it?
The June 9 publication of Clinton's memoirs, Living History, is shaping up to be one of the biggest literary and political events of the year. Publisher Simon & Schuster thinks it has a blockbuster in the story of the former first lady who became New York's junior Democratic senator. The first printing is 1 million — an almost unheard of number for a non-fiction book, especially one that is 576 pages long and costs $28… industry skeptics say the publisher's sales projections are wildly optimistic.
Political and industry insiders say the book is surprisingly revealing. Clinton tackles tough topics like her failed health proposal, the independent counsels who investigated her and her husband for six years, and yes, White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
That would give the public a rare glimpse into the carefully guarded feelings of one of the most powerful women in American politics — and one of the most polarizing. Clinton was the first working mom to live in the White House and the first presidential spouse ever to win elective office. She was also the first to be called before a grand jury and the first to have her marital difficulties aired in Congress. Former president Bill Clinton's affair with Lewinsky triggered an impeachment trial.
A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup poll taken last week shows the public is split evenly about Clinton: 43% say they have a favorable opinion of her, 43% an unfavorable one. Of the 1,019 adults who responded, 87% said they'd vote for a woman for president, but only 39% said they'd vote for Clinton.
Clinton's memoirs about her White House years are bound to intensify speculation about whether she aims to live there again. Until now, her top priority has been building her credentials as a senator and a transplanted New Yorker.
But the book tour — which will be stretched out over the summer to accommodate Clinton's Senate schedule — will have her criss-crossing the country and giving interviews just as the 2004 presidential campaign heats up. And while Clinton insists she's not in the race, she's being viewed as a strong contender for 2008, should her party fail to oust President Bush next year.
"I think this is a very important book for her," says Democratic strategist Donna Brazile. "It's an important launching pad."
'She's going to have to dish'
Democrats aren't the only ones looking forward to Clinton's book tour. "It couldn't come at a better time for Republicans and a worse time for Democrats," says former Republican National Committee chairman Rich Bond. He and other GOP strategists say Clinton's book will focus attention on her instead of the nine Democrats who are trying to win the White House.
"The poor Democrats who are running for president are going to get eclipsed again," crows Republican pollster John McLaughlin.
Republicans are convinced that Clinton's book will provide fresh fodder for the conservative talk-show circuit and energize Republican fundraising. Sen. George Allen of Virginia, who heads the Republican Senate campaign committee, has plans to make Living History a money-maker for GOP candidates as well as for Clinton. He already has a "Stop Hillary" fundraising campaign under way and plans to ratchet it up during the book tour…
Talk to Aloha Ronnie, Mom.
"Ron Dog" might be another source too, as he'd bring Hugh Hewlitt to the table.
Exposing that witch & her diabolical plan of one day capturing the WH has been Aloha Ronnie's passion, for years.
...both Ronnie's & Ron's ping lists would be an excellent place to start.
It was announced today that with along with every copy of Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton buyers will also receive a Thigh Master and a tube of CELLU-SCULPT Anti-Cellulite Slimming Treatment from Avon. Plus, all copies of the book will be signed by a machine Senator Clinton personally saw a picture of. All for the low price of $9.95. At your local Wal-Mart!
He asked the audience, how many of you have read Hillary's book. One person clapped and the audience broke into laughter as did Letterman.
Donate??? .. is that what Hellary calls it?
Corzine added, "With all members of the [Democratic] Caucus, anyway we can put together useful coordination of schedules for both fundraising and political benefit we will.
I imagine Simon and Schuster is paying for this "tour", so will they have to list those costs as campaign contributions or is this another of those situations which is obviously political but technically not?
Nice observation...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
