Obama to visit Dallas during Texas 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 visit Dallas during a fund-raising trip to Texas next month, Democratic officials said this morning.

The White House previously announced that Obama would travel to Texas on Aug. 9. However, detailed itineraries for such trips, which can change up to the last minute, are usually not disclosed much in advance.

The officials who confirmed the Dallas stop -- first reported in this morning's Fort Worth Star-Telegram -- said Obama would headline a fund-raising event for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Texas has no Senate race this year, so the money that Obama helps raise will be used to help Democratic candidates in other states.

The Dallas event will be held at the Highland Park home of plaintiffs' lawyer Russell Budd and his wife, Dorothy. The Budds hosted Vice President Joe Biden for a March 26 Democratic fund-raiser.

Obama is also expected to visit Austin, where he will raise money for the Democratic National Committee at the Four Seasons Hotel. While in Austin, Obama also will discuss the economy at an "official" event, a White House official said. Possibilities include a town hall or visit to a business.

The Texas trip will be his third as president.

It's unclear whether Obama, who did not carry Texas in 2008, will campaign for any candidates while here.

Bill White, the Democratic candidate for governor, has said it's unlikely that he will make any joint appearances with Obama.

"In August, Bill's really just focused on talking with Texans, letting them know about his track record and the choice they have in this election," a White spokesperson said earlier.

Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican who has been critical of 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 to that suggestion, which Democrats view as a ploy: If Obama refuses, Perry could attack him for focusing on politics on his Texas visit. If he agrees to meet, that would allow Perry to embarrass White for keeping his distance from the president.

Perry has exaggerated the degree to which he and Texas have been shunned by Obama. Perry told Fox News two weeks ago that "I have, frankly, never had a call from" the administration -- a claim the nonpartisan fact-checking site Politifact shot down by noting that Perry spoke with Obama on April 29 about the BP (NYSE:BP) oil spill and took part in a call with administration officials about that crisis on June 29. He also has been invited to daily calls about the spill response since early May, and was one of five governors who spoke with Biden in July 2009.

With less than 100 days before the midterm elections, Obama is devoting more time to overt politicking. He raised money for the DNC last night in New York City and has another fund-raiser tonight in Washington. He has other Democratic events in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles in coming weeks.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced a drawing today for the "chance of a lifetime" -- two seats at the Dallas dinner, plus airfare and hotel.

"What could be better for a true blue Democrat?" wrote J.B. Poersch, executive director of the DSCC. "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."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0046-47465373