Hillary Bags Another Top Kerry Fundraiser
Election Central has learned that Hillary Clinton has just bagged another of John Kerry's top fundraisers: Robert Zimmerman, a Long Island businessman and Democratic National Committeeman from New York who's one of the top Dem fundraisers in New York City and the country.
"We have an extraordinary field of candidates," Zimmerman told Election Central. "But without question, Hillary Clinton understands the challenges of Presidential campaigns. She has the leadership qualities we need in a President. It's an endorsement made from the heart and soul."
Zimmerman is a big catch for Clinton. One of the most prolific Dem fundraisers of the last two Presidential elections, he raised over $1 million for Kerry in 2004, and a similar amount for Al Gore in 2000. Like other Kerry fundraisers, he was aggressively wooed by the rival campaigns. Two weeks ago Kerry decided not to run.
As the field developed, Zimmerman deliberated between candidates and listened to their pitches for a couple weeks, finally deciding on Hillary.
"She's the most electable Democrat of the entire field," Zimmerman said. "She's the most electable Democrat since Bill Clinton."
Since Kerry opted not to run, his top donors have been picking and choosing between rival campaigns. As Election Central reported recently, Kerry's New York finance chairman, Hassan Nemazee, recently threw his lot in with Clinton. Meanwhile, Barack Obama picked up the backing of two other Kerry donors, Florida trial lawyer Kirk Wagar and California venture capitalist Mark Gorenberg.
I had no idea Dylan was a big Dem donor!
February 2, 2007 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Her campaign is definitely Like a Rolling Stone. I tell you, the Times They are A-changing, and not even a Huricane might stop this one. Even if she's a Master of War, I'm Pledging My Time (and money) to that Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, the Girl of the North Country Woods. For those who might have doubts, Don't Think Twice, It's Alright...
Wait, there's a different Robert Zimmerman? Never mind what I just said...
February 2, 2007 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Crap. Beaten to the punch.
February 2, 2007 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
He needs to leave New York a little more often if he thinks she's the most "electable" Democrat. Did he actually look at the numbers, or did he just get bamboozled by Clinton pollster Mark Penn?
Clinton's negatives are so high that she will have to thread the needle to win, and it is so hard to see her taking Ohio and/or Florida. All of the other Dem candidates will get hit hard and the Right will try to define them, but if they run a good campaign, define themselves positively, and rebut the GOP attacks effectively, they have the possibility of a much bigger win without having to pray that we eke out a close win (which failed in 2000 and failed in 2004).
February 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
The latest poll has HRC narrowly leading McCain and Giuliani in Ohio, so I don't get the "numbers" argument. BTW, every candidate who becomes a nominee has negatives of 40 percent or more. If they're not there now, they'll get there. That includes McCain and Giuliani, too. Hillary's negatives have already peaked, and she's still doing well.
How that makes her "unelectable," I have no idea.
BTW, I thought of Bob Dylan, too, lol.
February 2, 2007 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was co-chair of Lawyers for John Kerry in New York in 2004 and raised $1.3 million for Kerry in 2004, more than Mr. Zimmerman. I am supporting Hillary as well for 2008.
February 4, 2007 7:41 PM | Reply | Permalink