Posted on 02/16/2007 10:42:29 AM PST by CedarDave
SANDIA PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) - For $2,300, the maximum individual donation allowed, contributors became "Friends of Bill"; for $1,000, donors became "Supporters of Bill" as Gov. Bill Richardson aimed at a $2 million goal in a single fundraiser.
It was the largest fundraiser in New Mexico history, according to Richardson's fledgling Democratic presidential campaign.
The governor and first lady Barbara Richardson attended Thursday night's gala at Sandia Resort, but the campaign did not release a guest list.
"Most of these people are typical high-dollar donors," said Terry Brunner, state director for Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a primary co-host of the fundraiser along with Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and U.S. Rep Tom Udall. ...
"The goal is just to show that Bill has a lot of support in New Mexico, energize the core of supporters _ many of whom have volunteered to fan out across the country and help him in other places," said Denish, who raised more than $100,000 for Richardson's event through her friends and contacts.
"I've talked to doctors, lawyers, bankers, educators and some people who are reaching deep to get $1,000," she said.
Richardson, who announced last month he would seek the 2008 nomination, faces an uphill battle for campaign cash. The law allows federal officeholders to use cash left over from their campaigns to finance presidential campaigns, but Richardson, as a state officeholder, does not have that opportunity.
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Amanda Cooper, Richardson's deputy campaign manager, said the campaign has held other fundraisers since Richardson announced but that Thursday's fundraiser was "our major kickoff event."
The gathering drew an estimated 700-plus New Mexico donors. Cooper said dozens committed to "max out" _ saying they will give the maximum allowable $2,300.
"It's a tremendous amount of support," she said. "It shows the strong support the people of New Mexico have for Bill Richardson and the firm believe of what a great president he'll be."
Richardson's media staff said campaign fundraisers are considered part of the governor's private schedule, which is not discussed.
Thursday's fundraiser was an exception, as the campaign sent out a one-page notice in which the governor said he planned "to use this successful event here at home as the springboard for our fundraising efforts across the country."
Denish said the guest list included state Transportation Commission appointee Johnny Cope, a Hobbs oilman; Lottery Authority appointee Herman Tabet of Belen; University of New Mexico regents president and longtime Richardson supporter Jamie Koch; Public Service Company of New Mexico chief executive Jeff Sterba; former state Attorney General Paul Bardacke and Albuquerque businesswoman Carolyn Moore, a state Gaming Control Board member.
Others spotted at the resort included Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, state Treasurer James Lewis, state Auditor Hector Balderas, Santa Fe art dealer Gerald Peters and former Richardson top lawyer Geno Zamora.
Yeah, but when is he going to have to turn the money over to Hillary?
When he's chosen as the running "mate".
"When he's chosen as the running "mate"."
BUT Wait! I thought Hildebeast was going to select a *Black* VP to make up for pissing off the *Black* voters who support Obamabanarama?
Wouldn't waste my money.
Bait and switch :-)
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