GOP Still $10 Million Short For Scaled-Back Convention

Republican Party officials have developed a well-deserved reputation for planning evermore extravagant national conventions, each built on the party's ability to secure abundant cash.

But just six weeks before the convention, where Arizona Sen. John McCain is to accept his party's nomination, executives found they were about $10 million short of what they needed for a celebration they had already scaled back.

Officials say they have already secured most of the funds and that meeting budget needs was never in doubt. Still, this previously unknown -- and rather unusual -- last-minute GOP fundraising headache underscores the challenges facing both parties: A souring economy, complex campaign finance rules and the candidates' talk of reform has discouraged participation by corporations and the lobbyists who advocate for them.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[Raymondf]

Everyone will find out just how smart this women is after the debates, I feel so sorry for biddy.

[Raymondf]

We could beat Pete,and Re-peat without a convention.

[Raymondf]

Good it won't be as decodent as the DNC convention when I think of all the money that was spent. All I can say is it would have fed a whole bunch of hungry people, or saved a few homes for people that are losing theirs.

[Openeyes]

What do you expect from the party who's leader thinks "fiscal" is something you get at the doctor's office once a year.

"executives found they were about $10 million short" - what they just "found" an almost 20% budget shortfall? I guess they are so comfortable with deficits, it didn't matter. Maybe they can just move all those items "off budget" (works for the money we're wasting on Iraq) and PRESTO! No budget shortfall!

Oh, damn, this is the real world, and all those people they plan to get services from actually expect to get paid.

[Rescisco]

Turn out the lights, the party's over!

[barackobama4prez]

They have to spend so much on security...nothing extra but water and bread...HAHAHAHHAHAHA

[WorkingClass]

This will probably be the last GOP convention. No Republican wants to be seen there. They don't want anybody to know that they are Republicans.

[JiminNC]

I guess they will need to eliminate 20% of the hooker budget.

[dadw5boys]

Poor St Paul spending all that Tourism money when no one is comming except those who have to be there!

[jay1975]

As of last month, the DNC here in Colorado was at least 11 million short of their budget. McBush and O'Carter may be doing well on their donations but their respective parties are falling short with the people. Let's do some real reporting here please.

[neesy08]

how about the reason for the shortage being that the repubs are sour on this nominee and do not want to contribute?

[Tom95134]

Maybe Larry Craig can come up with some more money by giving guided tours of his memorial tea-room at the Minneapolis Airport.

[Liberoservative]

LOL!

"But some of the volunteers helping the city put its best foot forward couldn't wash away their disappointment at the guest of honor coming their way.

"I am not a fan of John McCain," said volunteer Chalyn Rice, 21, a University of Wisconsin-Stout student home for the summer break. "It'd be so great if Barack Obama was coming to our town instead of heading to Denver."

[proudloudlib]

Maybe they'll cancel it.

[SCG2]

That's one way to raise money.

[mont0307]

Perhaps they can sell the naming rights:

Exxon Mobile Presents: The Republican National Convention

(reports indicate they've already sold their souls).

[SCG2]

Any of defense contractors.

Or perhaps they can sell air time for those Bob Dole ED ads?

[IzzyCA]

Great idea!

Exxon Mobil and Halliburton Present: The Republican National Convention

[Liberal2]

Almost had coffee come out my nose. But wouldn't a more accurate name be The ExxonMobil National Convention?

[athenasword]

Excellent idea!!!!!!!!! Fill the hall w/ corporate logos, rotating signboards..... like a baseball game w/ ads plastered all along the field.