President Obama is hobnobbing with wealthy Californians today for a series of campaign fundraisers. However, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report, one of the state’s most generous Democratic benefactors won’t be participating.
San Francisco philanthropist Susie Tompkins Buell, who for decades has ranked as one of the Democratic Party's most generous benefactors, is keeping her checkbook closed when it comes to President Obama's high-priced California fundraisers this week.
"I want to look him in the eye and say, ‘thank you so much’ for your work," said Buell, who said she is deeply disappointed that the president has failed to lead on environmental issues, especially climate change.
With his 2012 re-election campaign in full swing, "I would just love to write my big check ... or have a high-dollar dinner here" on his behalf, she said. "I can't."