Fundraising is never easy. Throw in an iffy economy and political uncertainty and we understand why Denver leaders are having a tough time raising the money for the Democratic National Convention.
Yet that rough financial landscape underscores the need for Mayor John Hickenlooper and others to remain focused on making fundraising deadlines and to not get diverted by raising money for cultural events to be held that week.
The convention, which will bring tens of thousands of people to the city, is a perfect chance to showcase Denver to the world, especially through these ancillary events. But paying for the convention comes first. The city sought it out and now must make sure that private funds cover it.
The host committee fell $5 million short of meeting its March fundraising goals, and still has to reach $40 million by June. Fundraising difficulties are one reason mid-size cities such as Denver are often overlooked for hosting political conventions.
Recently, the Democratic National Convention Committee raised concerns publicly about Denver’s fundraising for other events, such as an arts event and film festival, and a concert at Red Rocks.
The DNCC took the unusual step of airing its concerns in a written statement, which very pointedly said the city ought to be selective in staging auxiliary events and keep focused on its contractual fundraising obligations.
That very public hand-slap seemed to take Hickenlooper aback, who told The Post, “They should call me and talk to me about it. I’m happy to sit down and explain to them that obviously we understand the importance of putting on a good convention.”
Hickenlooper, who has largely taken the lead on fundraising, has said he remains focused on raising money for the convention, but if a potential donor is interested in supporting something other than a political convention, he steers them to the cultural events. That’s understandable.
Hickenlooper also has pledged that no taxpayer money will be used. It’s a promise that must be kept. Taxpayers should not pay for a political convention.
Fortunately, for Denver’s host committee, the financial landscape likely will change once a presumptive nominee is designated.
Now, Democratic supporters are still pledging cash to the campaigns of Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. But with John Edwards’ endorsement of Obama on Wednesday, more superdelegates will begin to weigh in and the race could potentially be wrapped up by early June.
With a clear nominee, donors can decide if it’s a convention they want to support.
The Republicans, who have had a presumptive nominee for months, have met their fundraising goals for their convention in St. Paul, Minn.
Ultimately, Denver city leaders must raise $55 million for the DNC, so we can only hope a nominee will make that task easier.
Hickenlooper has done an admirable job thus far in leading fundraising efforts. We trust he’ll stay on course and get the job done.
