President Barack Obama to visit Highland Park on August fundraising trip

Jul 30, 2010 — The Dallas Morning News

Todd J. Gillman

Jul. 30, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama will be mining for money next month in Dallas, but he's not expected to make any public appearances.

The Aug. 9 trip will be Obama's third to Texas since he took office, and his first to Dallas since the March 2008 primary.

He will headline a dinner at the Highland Park home of plaintiffs lawyer Russell Budd and his wife, Dorothy, who hosted Vice President Joe Biden for a March 26 fundraiser.

The Budds live five miles from the Preston Hollow home of Obama's predecessor, Republican George W. Bush.

Obama's first Texas stop will be in Austin, for an event to benefit the Democratic National Committee. The invitation promises would-be donors that some of the money will help Texas candidates, including Bill White, the party's nominee for governor.

White, however, plans to be elsewhere, sparking GOP taunts about the political risk of being seen with Obama.

The president's initial itinerary called for stops in Houston and Austin. The Houston event was moved to San Antonio and now to Dallas.

Democratic officials in Texas and Washington confirmed the details about the Dallas dinner, which will benefit the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. It announced a drawing Wednesday for two seats, plus airfare and hotel.

"What could be better for a true-blue Democrat?" J.B. Poersch, committee executive director, said in an e-mail to would-be donors. "They say everything's bigger in Texas, and this evening is no exception. On August 9, you and a friend could be in Dallas, meeting President Obama. You'll even get your photo taken together. Just imagine how good that will look sitting on your desk."

Because Texas has no Senate race this year, the Dallas collection will help candidates in other states as the party tries to protect its 59-41 edge in the Senate.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas leads the Republican effort to cut into that.

It's unclear whether Obama will stump for any candidates on the trip. He lost the 2008 Texas primary and didn't carry the state that fall.

White has ruled out any joint appearance, for which Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, has ridiculed him.

Perry, who has criticized Obama on health care, energy policy and environmental regulation, last week invited him to discuss border security while in Austin.

The White House has not responded, and Democrats view the invitation as a ploy.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0046-47465452