Rendell: Philly DNC $10 Million Short

Written by Jason Addy, Contributing Writer

Democrats are falling behind in their bid to raise $64 million for their national convention in Philadelphia this summer.

The party is looking at a $9 to $10 million shortfall at this point, Chairman of the convention’s host committee Ed Rendell said this week, but he is certain the convention will reach its fundraising goal.

“Including pledges from companies I know are going to write the check, we’re $9 to $10 million down. It’s a legitimate gap, but we’re touching every base to fill it,” Rendell told Adrian Carrasquillo of BuzzFeed News.

Rendell – who also chairs Katie McGinty’s campaign for Senate – said there were several reasons for the gap.

In 2012, the federal government pitched in $18 million for the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, and Rendell said he expected anywhere up to $7.75 million from the City of Philadelphia, who will not be helping at all.

Then there’s Trump.

Most donor companies will often contribute to both the Republicans’ and Democrats’ national conventions, but Rendell is crediting “the Trumpster” for driving fundraising totals even further down, with some afraid to associate their brands with the GOP nominee and opting to sit out this election cycle.

In his interview with BuzzFeed, Rendell also had a few words for Sanders supporters, again worrying openly about any potential disturbances when the Democratic Party gathers at the end of July.

“95% of the Bernie delegates don’t give a shit about the Democratic Party or somebody other than Bernie winning the presidency,” Rendell said. “They could be disruptive in the convention hall. That would be a terrible outcome.”

May 31st, 2016 | Posted in Front Page Stories, Presidential, Top Stories | 21 Comments