Jul 5, 2008 11:51 am US/Pacific
Orange Crush? Obama Coming To O.C. To Seek Support
NEWPORT BEACH
Most Democratic presidential challengers typically write off Orange County as a Republican stranglehold. Senator Barack Obama, of course, is not the typical candidate and to that end, he will campaign in Newport Beach next week seeking votes and cash for his presidential bid.
The planned visit is part of the Democratic nominee's strategy: make John McCain spend money in places he wouldn't normally have to.
The Daily Pilot reports that the Illinois senator will speak with supporters and raise about $1 million for his campaign next Sunday.
Not only that, Obama will step into what some Democrats consider enemy territory: the reception will be at the epicenter of the O.C's conservative, traditionally- Republican power base: the Balboa Bay Club.
"I actually like the fact that we are taking it right here to the beach," said Melahat Rafiei, the Orange County Democratic Party's executive director.
The Newport Beach area, and the rest of southern Orange County, has traditionally leaned heavily-Republican, although northern sections of the county have voted Democratic in recent elections. And there the Democrats think they can make increased inroads.
Tickets for the Obama fundraiser next Sunday afternoon are $2,300, and a special V.I.P. fundraiser can be attended for a $28,500 contribution, the
Daily Pilot reported.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
