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DEL.ICIO.USFinally, a way to keep out the riff-raff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue would love for you to attend his primary night bash July 18 — as long as you can afford the cover charge.
In an effort to hold down costs on a campaign that is flush with money these days, the Perdue campaign decided to charge people to attend his traditional primary night party at the Westin Hotel in Buckhead.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
“For $10, folks get a free T-shirt and finger food while celebrating election returns with the governor and fellow conservatives,” said Nick Ayers, the governor’s re-election campaign manager. “That’s a pretty good deal.”
The Perdue campaign sent out e-mails to supporters on his mailing list Monday telling them space was limited and that they should buy their tickets soon.
Perdue managed to win in 2002 with $3.65 million compared to Roy Barnes’ $20 million. He’s heading into a primary, in which he has only token opposition, with a much bigger nest egg and help from the state Republican Party, which is paying for his campaign ads.
After the 2006 legislative session, Perdue had $8 million in the bank — more than his two main Democratic opponents combined. And he’s picked up the pace of fund raising. He heads to California today to attend three fund-raisers in his honor.
Ayers said charging for the formerly free party makes sense.
“It’s a great way to break even on costs and for Sonny to fellowship with his biggest supporters,” he said. “This allows for the campaign to focus our resources on getting our message out.”
Democrats, who face being heavily outspent by Perdue and the Republicans this fall, were chagrined.
“This guy is coming up with new ways of shaking down campaign donors,” said Georgia Democratic Party spokesman Emil Runge. “This is the same guy who four years ago attacked Democrats for the way they raised money. He’s doing the same thing today.”
Thanks to our colleague, staff writer James Salzer, for the above contribution..
Comments
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By Valerius
June 27, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
$10 is shaking people down? I knew the Democratic Party was short on cash, but now I know they’re broke.
By jfd
June 27, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with $10 charge….
By GOPRealist
June 28, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Just another symptom of letting power go to your head and forgetting about the grass roots. Yeah, I’ve got 10 million in the bank- give me all of your time and as a thank you- please contribute $10…
By Josh
June 28, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
I think it’s a plot to keep the press and specifically the AJC out :)