Memo: Dnc Sought Menu Of Perks Fund-Raisers Wanted Favors, Appointments To Entice Donors
A newly disclosed Democratic National Committee document suggested Friday that fund-raisers had sought to coordinate a list of 10 donor perks with the White House - including seats for contributors on Air Force One and help getting appointments to federal boards and commissions.
The unsigned internal memo - apparently written by a committee operative - said the purpose was “to reach our very aggressive goal of $40 million this year.” It was among papers turned over to a congressional panel by former White House deputy chief of staff Harold Ickes.
White House spokesman Mike McCurry said he knew nothing about the memo.
It was addressed to Martha Phipps, who was deputy chief of staff to David Wilhelm, the party chairman before the 1994 election.
Ickes apparently was sent an information copy.
Phipps, who now works at the Agriculture Department, did not return telephone messages left for her.
DNC national chairman Steve Grossman said the memo “looks to us like a wish list written by someone who clearly did not understand the rules.”
But Democrats have previously acknowledged that some of the 10 suggested perks were used to reward or entice contributors.
The new memo also directly links fund-raising efforts to the naming of donors to government positions. “Better coordination on appointments to Boards and Commissions,” the author wrote.
Romer said time with the president or other Democratic leaders - whether on Air Force One or in the White House - had nothing to do with influencing policy.
xxxx PROPOSED PERKS The unsigned memo recommends these 10 donor perks: 1. Two seats on Air Force One and Two trips. 2. Six seats at private dinners. 3. Six to eight spots at all White House events (ie. Jazz Fest, ceremonies, official visits.) 4. Official delegation trips abroad. 5. Better coordination on appointments to boards and commissions. 6. White House mess privileges. 7. White House residence visits and overnight stays. 8. Guaranteed Kennedy Center tickets (at least month in advance). 9. Six radio address spots. 10. Photo opportunities. - Associated Press