Posted on 02/26/2005 9:28:43 PM PST by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has planned a series of fundraisers from California to the East Coast next month, including a dinner with New York Gov. George Pataki, a business round table with Washington lobbyists, and a Los Angeles event where $89,200 will buy a "private briefing" for two with the governor.
Schwarzenegger's fundraising blitz in Ohio, Manhattan, Washington, Los Angeles and Indian Wells, Calif., at upscale hotels, restaurants and private homes is intended to raise money for a possible reelection campaign and other Schwarzenegger endeavors.
The Los Angeles invitation lists one of Schwarzenegger's state campaign chairmen as Roland Arnall, head of Ameriquest Mortgage, which has been accused by hundreds of consumers in 21 states of fraudulent sales practices. The company has donated $1.2 million to Schwarzenegger and his various campaign committees, and recently financed a weekend at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu for the leader of the Assembly and four other Democratic lawmakers.
Schwarzenegger faces increasing criticism for his fundraising, expected to top $150 million by the end of 2006. He has been holding policy briefings with donors to explain his agenda for change, but he has repeatedly said he would not trade contributions for specific actions. The law allows candidates to talk to donors about their policies but prohibits them from linking money to favors.
The governor's multi-state itinerary begins March 4 in Ohio. After appearing at the annual Arnold Classic bodybuilding event in Columbus, Schwarzenegger will fly to Cincinnati for a dinner hosted by Carl H. Linder, owner of the Cincinnati Reds and former chief executive of Chiquita Brands International.
Three days later in New York City, Schwarzenegger is scheduled to attend a dinner organized by fellow Republican Pataki at the '21' Club.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
For all his pros and cons..... he's NOT Gray Davis.
On March 16, Schwarzenegger has organized a "Spring Into Action" dinner and reception at the Westin Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Sponsors of the event include corporate executives and, among others, self-help guru Anthony Robbins.
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