Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign has set its sights on several foreign nations, including Mexico and Africa, to raise money from ex-pats eager to jump aboard her front running ride to the Democratic National Convention.
A new analysis of Federal Election Commission donor reports shows that at least 12 Clinton for president fundraisers have been held overseas, eight in England, two in Mexico, one in Germany and another in South Africa.
The Sunlight Foundation suggested in its report that more could have occurred.
At one in London, crooner Tony Bennett was the draw in a $2,700-a-head fundraiser after he and Lady Gaga were to sing together at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was cancelled because Gaga fell ill.
Last month, two fundraisers were held in Mexico featuring a Clinton campaign staffer.
London fundraisers have also featured first daughter Chelsea, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
“It is worth noting, that to the best of our knowledge Clinton herself, won’t be attending any of these fundraising parties,” said the report.
Americans overseas are free to donate, but not foreign nationals or corporations.
According to the Sunlight Foundation’s “Party Time” report, “Overseas fundraisers are relatively common for leading presidential candidates, but hosting over a dozen events before spring illustrates the vast reach of Clinton’s fundraising machine. By comparison, according to Party Time, no other presidential candidate has any official overseas fundraisers to his/her name.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
