Dems try new fundraising tactic
The Washington County Democratic Central Committee is trying something new this campaign season.
The committee is holding a $250-a-plate fundraising dinner with state Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, a Montgomery County Democrat, as he kicks off his 6th District Congress campaign on Tuesday.
Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Paul emphasized that it’s a fundraiser for the committee, not Garagiola, who won’t get any of the proceeds.
The central committee doesn’t take sides or endorse candidates in primaries, she said.
At least one other Democrat — former Montgomery County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg — has committed to running.
U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, the Republican incumbent, is seeking an 11th term in the 6th District. Four other Republicans also have filed — Robert Coblentz, Robin Ficker, Joseph T. Krysztoforski and Brandon Orman Rippeon.
Paul said the central committee would hold a similar fundraiser with any Democratic 6th District candidate — again, with all proceeds going to the committee.
By having some higher-priced fundraisers, the committee can do more low-priced and free events, she said.
“I can’t afford $250, as a teacher,” but some people don’t mind spending that much to help the party, Paul said.
The goal is to sell at least 15 or 20 tickets.
The fundraiser will be at Fountain Head Country Club, with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Paul said people can contact her for tickets at eapaul@myactv.net or 301-991-1309.
Open to all?
Sen. Robert J. Garagiola’s campaign kickoff schedule on Tuesday has him in Frederick, then Germantown, then Cumberland, Md. His last stop is Hagerstown, where he’s scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Morton Brilliant of The Strategy Group, a campaign consulting firm, said the Hagerstown location hasn’t been finalized.
The schedule also lists the aforementioned Democratic dinner, with a caveat: “NOTE: Closed to Press.”
Asked about this, Washington County Democratic Central Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Paul said that was wrong and shouldn’t have been written.
“I think they misunderstood ... It’s not secret. You can come if you want,” she told a reporter on Saturday.
On Sunday, Brilliant of The Strategy Group said Garagiola is happy to attend the event either way.
Asked why the caveat was included, Brilliant said, “Initially, there was an impression” the event would be closed. He declined to elaborate.
— Andrew Schotz
“On The Campaign Trail” will run periodically. Send campaign news and tips to Andrew Schotz at andrews@herald-mail.com.
The Washington County Democratic Central Committee is trying something new this campaign season.
The committee is holding a $250-a-plate fundraising dinner with state Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, a Montgomery County Democrat, as he kicks off his 6th District Congress campaign on Tuesday.
Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Paul emphasized that it’s a fundraiser for the committee, not Garagiola, who won’t get any of the proceeds.
The central committee doesn’t take sides or endorse candidates in primaries, she said.
At least one other Democrat — former Montgomery County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg — has committed to running.
U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, the Republican incumbent, is seeking an 11th term in the 6th District. Four other Republicans also have filed — Robert Coblentz, Robin Ficker, Joseph T. Krysztoforski and Brandon Orman Rippeon.
Paul said the central committee would hold a similar fundraiser with any Democratic 6th District candidate — again, with all proceeds going to the committee.
By having some higher-priced fundraisers, the committee can do more low-priced and free events, she said.
“I can’t afford $250, as a teacher,” but some people don’t mind spending that much to help the party, Paul said.
The goal is to sell at least 15 or 20 tickets.
The fundraiser will be at Fountain Head Country Club, with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Paul said people can contact her for tickets at eapaul@myactv.net or 301-991-1309.
Open to all?
Sen. Robert J. Garagiola’s campaign kickoff schedule on Tuesday has him in Frederick, then Germantown, then Cumberland, Md. His last stop is Hagerstown, where he’s scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Morton Brilliant of The Strategy Group, a campaign consulting firm, said the Hagerstown location hasn’t been finalized.
The schedule also lists the aforementioned Democratic dinner, with a caveat: “NOTE: Closed to Press.”
Asked about this, Washington County Democratic Central Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Paul said that was wrong and shouldn’t have been written.
“I think they misunderstood ... It’s not secret. You can come if you want,” she told a reporter on Saturday.
On Sunday, Brilliant of The Strategy Group said Garagiola is happy to attend the event either way.
Asked why the caveat was included, Brilliant said, “Initially, there was an impression” the event would be closed. He declined to elaborate.
— Andrew Schotz
“On The Campaign Trail” will run periodically. Send campaign news and tips to Andrew Schotz at andrews@herald-mail.com.
