SCHMOOZING IN NAPA: Rep. Kirkpatrick Chosen To Address Pelosi Mega-Donors In Napa Valley Tomorrow

No doubt after weighing the financial benefits against the attack ad costs, Arizona Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-CD1) accepted House Minority Leader's invitation to address an annual conference of Democratic mega-donors tomorrow in Napa Valley.  Kirkpatrick is running for re-election in a one of the most closely-watched, tossup House races in the country.

Politico reported last night that Kirkpatrick is one of five "vulnerable Democratic lawmakers* to mix and mingle with some of her biggest supporters." Expected attendees at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Speaker's Cabinet include Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer.

As of last week, Kirkpatrick had $1.36 Million in her campaign's bank account.  However, once the Republicans choose their nominee on August 26, it is guaranteed to be a very expensive race to the finish in the sprawling district.  Both Democratic and Republican groups have booked millions in television advertising time for the race.

It is also a safe bet that this weekend's event will make an appearance in some of the ads attacking Kirkpatrick. However, given that attack ads already try to link the two (example from 2012 on right), that prospect was probably outweighed by the opportunity to seek big name, big dollar support from the conference's attendees.

* One non-incumbent candidate for the House is among the five listed as "lawmakers".




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