Convention cash: RNC on pace to meet fundraising goals, while Dems struggle

Recent news reports have highlighted fundraising struggles associated with the Democratic National Convention. Organizers in Denver have raised just $25-million of their $40.6-million goal, with a deadline set for June 16. “My greatest fear is if we aren’t able to raise the money,” Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper told the city council earlier this month.

No such worries, apparently, for organizers of the Republican convention in St. Paul. According to Teresa McFarland, communications director for the Minneapolis St. Paul 2008 Host Committee, the group is on pace to meet its obligation of $39 million. On top of that the group expects to raise an additional $19 million, bringing the grand total to $58 million.

McFarland credits the organization’s fundraising success in part to the fact that 19 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Minnesota. “We’ve been very pleased with the support of our local corporate community,” she says. “There’s a strong base to draw from.”