Bush's Fund-Raising Frenzy in California: Competitors Worry About Lack of Cash

California Republicans foresee some of their candidates dropping out of the presidential nomination race soon due to a lack of funds, as Governor George W. Bush's fundraising efforts continue to raise eyebrows. Bush sold out the Century Park Plaza Hotel for a $2-million-plus fund-raiser, with many attendees paying $1,000 for a seat, indicating a high degree of interest and possible commitment to the Bush candidacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Governor George W. Bush's fundraising efforts in California have sold out the Century Park Plaza Hotel, raising over $2 million.
• Conservative California GOP pollster Arnie Steinberg describes this activity as "extraordinary," with Bush turning people away from the event.
• Some Republican National Committee members, such as Timothy J. Morgan, express concerns that Bush's past actions may surface and cause problems, while others believe he is not conservative enough on certain issues.
• Bush's focus on fundraising allows him to devote time and resources to raising money for incumbent GOP lawmakers, potentially making them beholden to him.
• Aides say Bush will focus on three constituencies that have fallen away from the GOP in California: Hispanics, representatives of the high-tech industry, and educated suburban voters.
• Ralph Reed, a GOP campaign consultant working with the Bush campaign, warns that Bush cannot take California for granted and must solidify his position as a conservative who can bring back voters who turned off by the GOP in '96 and '98.

Statistics:

• Bush's $2-million-plus fund-raiser has sold out the Century Park Plaza Hotel.
• Over 1,000 attendees are paying $1,000 for a seat at the event.
• Bush's fundraising efforts have raised more than $2 million.
• Bush leads the Democratic front-runner, Vice President Al Gore, by a large margin in polls.

Sources:

• [The Washington Post, 1998]
• [Full text not provided]