Romney campaign sells access to 'inaugural retreat'

Presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is offering access to a "Presidential Inaugural Retreat" for top donors who give $50,000 to a new fundraising committee, according to an email obtained by BuzzFeed.

The committee, run by the Romney campaign and the Republican National Committee, is offering access to Romney during a campaign retreat in June and preferential status for an inaugural retreat if Romney wins the nomination.

The news drew a quick rebuke from Democrats, who mocked Romney's campaign for selling access to an inaugural event before clinching the Republican nomination.

The email ask was circulated by Richard Stormont, a former executive with Marriott. Romney previously sat on the board of the hotel chain.

"The campaign is asking people who are able to make a $50,000 contribution to do so today and become a 'Founding Member' of Romney Victory. These donors will be invited to a special retreat with Governor Romney in late June in California and will have preferred status at the first Presidential Inaugural retreat as well as yet to be determined access at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August," Stormont wrote.

Stormont also reveals plans for a Romney fundraiser in Atlanta that will cost $1,000 per plate and another $10,000 to take a photo with the candidate. "Founding Members" will also be invited to a private dinner in Atlanta's tony Buckhead neighborhood.

"We know there have been a number of people who have been standing on the sidelines waiting for a nominee to be selected. It is now clear who the nominee will be and we will be making every effort to reach out to all those who have yet to give as well as those who previously supported another candidate," Stormont wrote.

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