Posted on 07/16/2006 8:49:56 PM PDT by kristinn
WASHINGTON -- As if celebrity name recognition and superstar political status weren't enough, Sen. Hillary Clinton has added another tool to her mega-fund-raising arsenal: her newly renovated Washington mansion.
In work that ended last month according to District of Columbia building records, Clinton, D-N.Y., spent well over $800,000 expanding and updating her Embassy Row manse, adding a new pool house and a giant ballroom-like addition for entertaining.
She has been quick to realize a return on that investment, holding major money-raising bashes over the last few weeks.
"I like having people over to my house," Clinton told the New York Daily News.
And she made sure it's a nice place to visit in the sultry D.C. summers, installing three new high-efficiency air conditioners, 60 new indoor lights and 20 outside to go with her spiffed-up pool.
"It's a really good place for people to be able to come," she said. "It's easy to get to and people like coming, and I can really help raise money for other Democrats."
She's not kidding. A recent fund-raiser at the home for Tennessee Senate candidate Rep. Harold Ford Jr. took in more than $300,000. An event last Wednesday for the Democratic National Committee earned about $550,000.
"The house will have great cachet in a place like D.C., especially at a time when the Democrats don't control either houses of Congress or the White House," said Chris Lehane, a Democratic consultant.
Clinton's also using the 7,218-square-foot brick colonial to boost her own record-breaking reelection campaign, hosting $4,200-a-head fund-raisers. Her campaign declined to disclose how well those have done.
While the attractive home would be an asset for raising money in Washington during a presidential campaign, it could also have a downside on the campaign trail.
"One thing's for sure: She can't run for President as a populist," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "With that kind of house, she can't tell people in the rest of the country that she's a Washington outsider."
He added that while the home is an advantageous tool, it cements her insider status for an election that will feature no sitting President or vice president.
"She's the closest thing in this election to an incumbent," Sabato said.
Pimp mah crib!
They never struggled for anything. That was another lie by the MSM.
The name of her 'decorator' escapes me, but I remember her ghastly sense of style.
I know the Tennesseans are going to be so happy that she is helping the candidate for Senate raise funds.(not)
Yep, I remember the huge moving vans that left the White House at the end of their term. Had to give some of it back, though :-)
According to Larry King it cost $3.5 million way back then ... probably $5 to $7 million now:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0101/04/lkl.00.html
Pool house
Thank you.
I wonder if Bubba ever gets invited ..??
Wasn't her designer named Kaki something? Her name rhymed with her style, though, TACKY!
Howlin, do you remember the full name of Hillary's ghastly Arky decorator?
Well, you know there is her hotel maid "friend" so she does have those connections.
Kaki Hockersmith.
LOL, looks good. Red frames to me but maybe not to you. I like it. Funny, blue frames in the response box!!
She added on?
I thought Republicans were the party of the wealthy elitists........at least that's what Hitlery and the rest of the Democrats keep claiming........
I echo that prayer, Pegita ...and I know His justice prevails.
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