CAMPAIGN ’88 : Fund-Raising No Fun
- Share via
The Dukakis campaign raised $8 million last week, bringing the Democrat’s total so far to nearly $40 million and within reach of the eventual $50-million goal set by treasurer Robert Farmer.
But the monetary success has come at a high price in the candidate’s time. Dukakis has spoken at fund-raisers virtually every night in the week. On Friday, he attended three fund-raising events in one evening--a dinner in San Francisco hosted by longtime fund-raiser Walter Shorenstein and two events in Sacramento.
The constant fund-raising has tired the candidate and interfered with campaign strategy sessions. “It’s been killing us,” said Dukakis aide Francis O’Brien.
So the campaign has called a halt. Dukakis will attend only three more fund-raisers, including one this week in Washington. At other events, running mate Lloyd Bentsen or other campaign surrogates will substitute for him.
The decision could cut somewhat into the fund-raising pace, but “I’m not changing my revenue projections,” Southern fund-raising chief Gary Barron said. At this point in the campaign, Barron said, “you’re going after the committed” for fund-raising, and the candidate’s presence should not be crucial.
More to Read
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox twice per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.