Editor's note: Thanks to Radio Hater (below) pointing out the Karl Rover misspelling on the newsletter, but a far more substantial error was discovered by our crack staff of ... me. The piece initially said the event was Monday, July 21, but the invitation clearly states it's Aug. 18. No excuses. That was a bad miss. Sorry, Mr. Rover -- Sito
Here's the text of the invitation for the fundraiser at JO and Marlene Stewart's home Aug. 18. Sherry and Robert Brown also signed the invitation for the event, meant to help U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) raise money in the battle against state Rep. Rick Noriega. Of particular interest in the letter is the dismissal of poll results that show Noriega within range of Cornyn, followed by this sentence: "Unfortunately, Republicans are in a situation where they cannot rely on any national support, especially in a state as big and expensive as Texas."
The headliner is Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George Bush. Conspiracy theorists will enjoy his appearance in El Paso, given the friendship of Dee and Adair Margo to the President Bush and his wife, Laura. Dee Margo, of course, still has a race of his own to run, for state representative, against Democratic Joseph Moody.
The cost to be a host is $2,300 per person, the federal maximum contribution. It's $1,000 to be a "patron," and $500 to be a "sponsor."
Here's the text of the letter, followed by another, more local fund-raiser:
July 18, 2008
Dear Friend,
It is hard to believe that summer is already here and the election is less than 4 months away!
On behalf of Senator Cornyn, we want to thank you for all of your support in the past. He is very appreciative of all you have done for him and overwhelmed by all you will do before November.
This year’s election presents unique challenges to Senator Cornyn and all Republicans. National Democrats are energized after taking control of Capitol Hill in 2006, and they have their sights set on expanding their majority. It starts with defeating Senator Cornyn.
Recently, two separate polls have shown Senator Cornyn in a virtual dead heat. Serious questions about the polls’ credibility and validity haven’t stopped our opponent and his allies from using the results in a desperate attempt to raise resources and recognition for his campaign.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee proclaimed in an email that the polls “show John Cornyn in serious trouble,” while the ultra-liberal blog Daily Kos opined the results are “nothing short of remarkable, and a hint that this may be a top-tier race before long.”
Unfortunately, Republicans are in a situation where they cannot rely on any national support, especially in a state as big and expensive as Texas. For this reason, we would like to ask you to serve on the Host Committee for the August 18th El Paso Reception honoring Senator Cornyn with special guest Karl Rove. Marlene & J.O. Stewart, Jr. have graciously agreed to host this very special evening in their lovely home, 801 Cervantes. We hope you will decide to help lead the effort to raise the resources needed to effectively combat attempts by national Democrats to buy Texas’ Senate seat in November.
Please send the attached reply form and RSVP to Katie Wilson at 512-494-8161 (fax) or email to Katie@johncornyn.com by Wednesday, July 30th to be listed on the invitation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Katie at 512-583-7129.
We look forward to seeing you on August 18th.
Sincerely,
Marlene & J.O. Stewart, Jr., Event Hosts
Sherry & J. Robert Brown, El Paso Finance Chairman
***
Stepping down the money ladder, tonight, former El Paso Police Chief Richard Wiles raises cash for his race against Republican George Stoltz.
It's at Vanilla Night Club in Union Plaza, 115 Durango. They're asking for donations of $100.
The host committee is: Connie Telles-Odom; Sergio & Cathy Coronado; Anthony Valdez, M.D.; Gary Porras;
Jaime Esparza, Dist. Attorney; Presi Ortega, Jr.; Moises Bujanda; Jaime Olivas; Robert Perez; Ralph Martinez.
