Companies pressed for millions for GOP convention

"MN Governor"

06/27/2007

Concerned about a "lack of production" pulling in donations toward the 2008 Republican National Convention, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his allies hoped an intimate appeal to high-level business executives at the stately governor's mansion would shake loose more cash.


By Brian Bakst,
Associated Press
June 27, 2007



The breakfast meeting was urgent and the list of invitees was exclusive.

Concerned about a "lack of production" pulling in donations toward the 2008 Republican National Convention, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his allies hoped an intimate appeal to high-level business executives at the stately governor's mansion would shake loose more cash.

"We're looking for each Fortune 500 company headquartered in Minnesota to give at least $1 million; and some of you will be able to be far more generous than that," read Pawlenty's talking points for the June 6 meeting.

Leaders of companies outside that elite club got a pitch for $250,000 to $500,000 contributions, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press under a government records request.

READ MORE: Click HERE