A pair of Democratic senators who pitch themselves as working-class heroes will fundraise at the ritzy Harvard Club in New York City on Tuesday morning.
Sens. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) and Tammy Baldwin (D., Wis.) will rub shoulders with donors at a fundraiser hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), according to an invitation obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. Tickets for the event start at $3,300, and go for as much $26,400. Casey and Baldwin both face tough reelection battles in 2024, and represent states traditionally considered part of the Democratic Party’s "blue wall."
The Harvard Club is a curious venue for Casey and Baldwin, who represent states with large white working-class populations and below-average college attainment rates. Dues for the private Harvard Club, which boasts "the amenities of a luxury hotel," costs nearly $3,500 a year for full access. Membership is restricted to Harvard graduates, their spouses, and faculty.
Casey and Baldwin are keenly aware of their states’ demographics and make a point of brandishing their working-class credentials on their campaign sites. Casey says "he’s working to cut through the gridlock, stand up to powerful corporate special interests, and make the lives of hardworking Pennsylvanians a little bit easier." Baldwin claims she "is committed to making sure that working people, not just big corporate special interests or the super wealthy, have a fighter on their side."
Along with Schumer, the fundraiser’s hosts include lobbyist Tonio Burgos and superyacht owner Dennis Mehiel, who recently bought a nearly $11 million apartment on Central Park West. Public relations consultant Ken Sunshine, who represented Hollywood serial rapist Harvey Weinstein and hate crime hoaxer Jussie Smollett, is also listed as a host.
Hats, gym clothing, and shorts are not permitted on the Harvard Club’s premises, which may complicate efforts to hold similar fundraisers there with Casey’s colleague, Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman (D.).