'Get the money in early': 2020 donor hunt ignites
Politico
Elizabeth Warren has sworn off attending big-money private fundraisers. But a small group of Hollywood writers and producers recently gathered over drinks to talk about how to raise money for Warrens presidential campaign without her.
Warrens personal ban on behind-closed-doors fundraising a practice she now criticizes for giving the wealthy undue access to politicians presents a bit of a challenge for the group, said writer and producer Franklin Hardy, who supports Warrens stance. Do we have a stand-up comedy night at somebodys house? Can we get her to Skype in? Or do we just have big get-togethers?
While accepting that money wont violate Warrens anti-access pledge, it does highlight a shift by her campaign and others in the 2020 presidential race. After spending the first months of 2019 fixated on small-dollar online support and adopting rhetoric shunning bigger donors, campaigns are now taking stronger steps to bring wealthy and well-connected supporters into the fold. Jolted by Joe Bidens splashy $6.3 million first day in the Democratic primary, many of Bidens rivals are increasingly hungry for bigger donors support.
Former Rep. Beto ORourke, who raises most of his funds online from small donors, is set to hold his first high-dollar event of the campaign in New York City this week, where attendees have to pledge to raise $25,000 for some tickets. South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg is holding high-dollar events in cities across the country as he tries to collect on his newfound fame with donors.