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The National Republican Congressional Committee says that it is within reach of its fundraising goal for next week’s annual March dinner.
“Members have really stepped up,” said a buoyant NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) Wednesday. “I’m in a very good mood.”
Cole said that this week alone, money from a combination of member political action committees and outside supporters has brought the committee about $1 million away from its $7.5 million finish line. He said he was confident that the NRCC would reach the goal by the March 12 dinner.
Cole credited House Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) “very upfront conversation” and his “impassioned pleas” during the conference meeting last Tuesday, which he said contributed to the mobilization of the rank-and-file members.
Boehner reportedly told lawmakers to get off their “dead asses” and start fundraising for the committee during the closed-door conference meeting last week.
Cole also credited dinner fundraising head Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).
“I think we are beginning to hit a time when Republicans want to invest in their party,” he said. “Members are responding to the work we are doing.”
Some of the most vulnerable GOP members have been the biggest contributors, Issa said, including Reps. Christopher Shays (Conn.), Dave Reichert (Wash.), among others.
Issa’s persuasive tactics included offering a Polk audio I-sonic E2 system to members who achieved their fundraising goals, which are set based on seniority and involvement with the dinner.
“The Texas members [in previous years] gave boots and spurs,” he said, adding that his background in the electronics industry gave him the idea to give the high-end stereo as a reward.
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