Obama Campaigns for Ron Klein in High-Stakes Congressional Election

Strategic Insights -

President Barack Obama's visit to South Florida on Monday to raise funds for Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has sparked widespread attention, underscoring the high partisan stakes in the closely contested District 22 congressional election. With the November 2 election looming, Obama's visit has energized both sides, as Republican challenger Allen West attempts to capitalize on the president's appearance to rally support from disillusioned voters. Meanwhile, Klein has sought to showcase his bipartisan credentials by announcing endorsements from two elected Republicans.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Obama raised $1 million for Klein and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at a Coral Gables fund-raiser, with tickets ranging from $1,000 to $17,600 for a presidential photo op.
  • Obama's visit has the potential to energize West's supporters and turn off some independent voters, according to House Race Hotline editor Tim Sahd.
  • Klein has attempted to burnish his bipartisan credentials by announcing endorsements from two elected Republicans, Palm Beach Mayor Jack McDonald and Riviera Beach Council Chairwoman Dawn Pardo.
  • West has aired a TV ad criticizing Obama and Klein's big-government policies, while Klein has criticized West's handling of personal finances and labeled him "extreme" and "dangerous."
  • Republican U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner campaigned in West Palm Beach for West, criticizing Democrats for using similar tactics around the country.
  • Klein and West are running in a district where Republican and Democratic registration is roughly even, and Obama got 52 percent in 2008.
  • Boehner stated that the current GOP is different from the model voters rejected in 2006, when Klein was first elected, saying that Republicans have learned from their mistakes and are now focused on reducing spending and government growth.

Statistics:

  • $1 million: the amount of funds raised by Obama for Klein and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at the Coral Gables fund-raiser.
  • 52%: the percentage of the vote Obama received in Palm Beach County-Broward County congressional District 22 in 2008.
  • 7 weeks: the amount of time Klein has spent airing TV ads criticizing West's handling of personal finances and labeling him "extreme" and "dangerous."
  • 50 people: the number of attendees at Boehner's breakfast meet-and-greet at the Gun Club Cafe.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Byline: GEORGE BENNETT Palm Beach Post Staff Writer