The Obama campaign believes its supporters "deserve a thank you," which is why it is offering donors a chance to meet and dine with the president and first lady.
But campaign officials have a message for those lucky enough to be selected: 1) You’re costing us a lot of money, and 2) Lay off the booze.
In a letter to supporters, the campaign’s Chief Operating Officer Ann Marie Habershaw emphasizes the great cost of arranging the event.
"Managing the logistics of these dinners is tough, but we do it because giving supporters a seat at the table—literally—is a huge priority for this campaign," Habershaw writes.
She also notes that as campaign COO, part of her job is "to sign off on travel costs—so I see every expense for a hotel room or plane ticket," and will be monitoring the expenses of the lucky winners.
Habershaw ends with a word of warning to the potential attendee: "And don't forget—I see the hotel bills, too, so don't break in to that minibar."
Full text of the letter:
Friend --
One of my responsibilities as chief operating officer of this campaign is to sign off on travel costs -- so I see every expense for a hotel room or plane ticket.
If you win Dinner with Barack, I'll be the one approving your flight arrangements from your town to your dinner with the President and First Lady.
Managing the logistics of these dinners is tough, but we do it because giving supporters a seat at the table -- literally -- is a huge priority for this campaign. You guys are out there knocking on doors, making calls, and working hard to re-elect the President. You deserve a thank you.
Plus, the donations you chip in make a huge difference in getting us ready for the long haul to November.
The contest ends tomorrow night -- so donate $3 or whatever you can right now to be automatically entered for a chance to join the President and First Lady for dinner.
And don't forget -- I see the hotel bills, too, so don't break in to that minibar.
Good luck,
Ann Marie
Ann Marie Habershaw
Chief Operating Officer
Obama for America
A report earlier today revealed that winners of such dinners with the president could be liable for hundreds of dollars in taxes if they take up the Obama campaign on their offer to fly and house winners.