Reid in final DC fundraising push
With the Senate soon to wrap up its pre-election session, Sen. Harry Reid has put on a big fundraising push to Washington audiences, according to a report today in Roll Call.
The Democratic majority leader fighting to keep his Nevada seat has held four events in less than two weeks, including one that was scheduled for lunch today co-hosted by the Union Pacific Railroad and CTIA, the association of wireless telecom companies.
"Lobbyists call Reid's fundraising operation among the most vigorous they've seen in Washington, saying the majority leader and his allies aren't shy about repeatedly soliciting money," Roll Call said. "One Democratic operative said a fitting slogan for Reid's campaign would be 'You are never truly maxed out to Harry Reid.
Further, Republican lobbyists are complaining that Reid's camp "has urged them to ignore fundraising appeals" from challenger Sharron Angle, the paper said. Angle's fundraiser in Washington last Thursday "was not well attended," one lobbyist told Roll Call.
Reid's campaign spokesman said the incumbent continued to push for contributions because "the Republicans continue to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Sen. Reid."
In addition to today's event, Roll Call reported Reid held a breakfast fundraiser Wednesday at Charlie Palmer Steak, a restaurant at the foot of Capitol Hill. That one was put on by the political action committees of the American Wind Energy Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Edison International and ITC Holdings Corp.
"This will be one of our last events in Washington DC before the election in November," Reid campaign aide Josh Alcorn said in the breakfast invitation obtained by Roll Call. "I encourage all of you to attend and pass this invite along to your clients and colleagues."
Last Sunday, Reid was hosted by former Virginia senator Chuck Robb and his wife Lynda at their home in McLean, according to Roll Call. On Sept. 15, Democratic senators sponsored a breakfast for Reid on Capitol Hill.
