Awkward Timing for Thompson Fundraisers in Southern California

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

FRED THOMPSON

From Campaign Spot reader Nick:

Several of my family members in southern CA received invitations today in the mail for a group of high-dollar Fred Thompson fundraising events across southern California - taking place on Monday and Tuesday of next week! None can ever recall getting initially solicited for events this close to the event date.
Seems like a serious lack of advance planning.
Not the campaign's fault, but the first event will almost surely have to be cancelled - it's scheduled for next Monday in Rancho Santa Fe, which is currently evacuated and the scene of part of one of the large fires.

I wonder if instead of the fundraiser, Thompson - or any other candidate, really - ought to tour one of the scortched areas (once the fires are out), write a big personal check to a relief fund on the spot, and offer words of encouragement for people who have just been through hell. Responding to disasters is one of the duties of a president; once the immediate danger has passed, the candidates might as well start demonstrating this ability as well.

UPDATE: Another reader, Mark, says this is standard operating procedure:

Well, the person who said they never recall getting an invite that late hasn't been invited to presidential fundraisers often. This is routine in this business, which is why there is such a premium on the people who have great lists and can work them in short order. The candidates have long term schedules, but they also have last minute stops that they add. When they do, they want to raise money, and that requires soliciations like this.

10/24 08:21 AM Share