Republican lobbyists are shifting into overdrive to raise big bucks for Sens. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Norm Coleman of Minnesota as they work to keep their seats.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is "putting together a seven figure effort in Georgia with ads and grassroots" to help Chambliss win his Dec. 2 runoff against Democrat Jim Martin, says Bill Miller, the chamber's political director. Further, on Nov. 17, Chambliss is slated to attend a fundraiser at the Capitol Hill Club to help fill his coffers that's being organized by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and other K Street money harvesters. And on Nov. 20, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will host a joint fundraiser at the National Republican Senatorial Committee of four GOP committees helping Chambliss. (The proceeds to be divided among the different committees).
Two sources familiar with the Chambliss money blitz say that overall he's trying to raise a total of $8 million for his runoff. Meanwhile, on Nov. 18 at the NRSC offices lobbyists are expecting to schmooze with Coleman and write checks to help with his recount drive against Democrat Al Franken. According to two lobbyists, Coleman is seeking to haul in about $2 million overall to help with legal expenses and other costs associated with the recount.
-- Peter H. Stone
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