Top Romney Donors Visit Park City for Exclusive Weekend
Mitt Romney is hosting a weekend retreat for wealthy donors in Park City, Utah, offering backers the chance to mingle with campaign aides, Republican officials and the candidate himself at a series of events.
More than 500 donors are expected to attend the event, which began yesterday and is open only to individuals who have given $50,000 or are raising at least $250,000 to benefit his White House bid.
The mingling began on a flight on a night flight to Salt Lake City on June 21, where executives, lobbyists, politicians and campaign staff chatted over lasagna and free drinks.
Donors last night were invited to attend a cookout with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee at Olympic Park, site of the 2002 winter games that Romney ran as chief executive officer.
Having decided not to take public financing for the general election, Romney has devoted much of his time since locking down his party’s nomination to flying across the country to woo top donors.
The retreat’s schedule at the famed Utah ski area includes closed-door gatherings with the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, Arizona Senator John McCain, as well as former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and three officeholders who have been mentioned in news reports as Romney running-mate prospects: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan and Ohio Senator Rob Portman.
Former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, tapped to head Romney’s transition team for a potential presidency, will also attend.
Private Briefings
Fundraisers will also receive private strategy briefings from campaign and party officials including former White House adviser Karl Rove, and lectures on foreign policy, energy and the financial sector, according to a schedule of events obtained from attendees. Former secretaries of state Condoleezza Rice and James A. Baker III will be among those discussing foreign affairs.
The weekend concludes with a round of golf at Red Ledges, described as an “elite” private community featuring an award- winning 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Romney and the Republican Party outraised Democrats in this campaign cycle for the first time last month, collecting more than $76.8 million, nearly $17 million more than President Barack Obama and his allies.
Obama also has spent much time fundraising, including high- profile dinners at the homes of celebrities including George Clooney and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Naming Bundlers
Obama’s campaign has disclosed the names of its so-called bundlers -- those who pledge to raise large amounts of funds for him -- while Romney’s campaign has refused to release a list of its top fundraisers.
In coming weeks, Romney has fundraising events scheduled in Aspen, Colorado, New York City and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Top donors to Romney already get access to weekly strategy calls and updates from campaign officials and other Republicans, efforts organized by aide Spencer Zwick. Potential donors have been invited to Romney’s vacation home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire for lunch and boat rides.
The retreat is being held on familiar turf for Romney. He owned a seven-bedroom, 9,500 square-foot log cabin in Park City before selling it as he geared up for his 2012 presidential run.
To contact the reporter on this story: Lisa Lerer in Washington at llerer@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Jeanne Cummings at jcummings21@bloomberg.net
Top Romney Donors Descend on Park City for Exclusive Weekend
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Mitt Romney during day five of his bus trip in Holland State Park June 19, 2012 in Michigan.
Mitt Romney during day five of his bus trip in Holland State Park June 19, 2012 in Michigan. Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
June 22 (Bloomberg) -- Peter Cook reports on Mitt Romney's retreat to be held this weekend in Park City, Utah. He speaks on Bloomberg Television's "Market Makers." (Source: Bloomberg)
June 25 (Bloomberg) -- Bloomberg's Peter Cook recaps Mitt Romney's weekend retreat for wealthy donors in Park City, Utah, where the GOP presidential candidate offered backers the chance to mingle with campaign aides, Republican officials and the candidate himself at a series of events. He speaks on Bloomberg Television's "In The Loop." (Source: Bloomberg)
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