Capitol View: October 19, 2011 Archive

Bachmann says 'Danke Schoen' to Wayne Newton for his endorsement

Posted at 7:26 AM on October 19, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2012, Michele Bachmann

Legendary Las Vegas performer Wayne Newton appeared on Fox News last night and said he's backing Bachmann's campaign for president.

"I watched the entire debate and I can't tell you how proud I am of this lady," Newton said. "I will support this beautiful lady as long as she wants to go."

The two appeared on Fox News with their arms around each other for the entire time they were on the air prompting host Greta Van Susteren to say "It looks like you're on a date!"

Bachmann said she'll take support anywhere she can get it.

"This is the picture of America right here," Bachmann said as she pointed to Newton.

It's difficult to know whether Newton's endorsement will have any impact on Bachmann's chances. But it could help her with fundraising. MPR's Catharine Richert looked at Bachmann's most recent fundraising report and found that more than a third of Bachmann's cash came from senior citizens - a group that is more likely to have a particular fondness for Newton's "You're nobody until somebody loves you."

Bachmann to hold a fundraiser in Minnesota

Posted at 2:50 PM on October 19, 2011 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2012, Michele Bachmann

Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann is returning to Minnesota for a fundraiser on Oct. 27.

The event will be held at the Hilton in downtown Minneapolis, according to her campaign website.

Supporters can attend for as little as $50, but that only provides admission to the town hall portion of the event. Those who want to stick around for a reception and dinner must pay more. Individuals who give $5,000 - the maximum amount one person can contribute to a presidential candidate between the primary and general elections - will get tickets to the town hall, a private reception, dinner and have the chance to get their picture taken with Bachmann.

Bachmann hasn't said if she will run again for her 6th Congressional District seat if her presidential campaign doesn't work out, but her donor pool in Minnesota is substantial. After California, Minnesota was the second most generous state to Bachmann during the third fundraising quarter, according to an analysis by MPR.

Bachmann brought in nearly $4 million in the most recent fundraising quarter, which is quite a bit more than the $1.6 million she raised in the second quarter. She's been spending a lot of her time and resources in Iowa.

Still, it appears she's had trouble widening her base of donors, which will be a challenge for Bachmann as she tries to expand her campaign to other key Republican battleground states.

Building operational capacity in those states is part of her fundraising pitch.

"We are also doing all we can to invest resources and expand our reach in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida and other key states," Bachmann said in her e-mail invitation to the Oct. 27 event. "By attending this event in Minneapolis, you will help us keep up the fight in Iowa and continue to grow our base of grassroots support all across the country."