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AP: “MINNESOTA GAMBLING AUTHORITY ASKS IF OBAMA CAMPAIGN’S WEB SOLICITATION IS A RAFFLE”
By Michael B. Brodkorb | July 8, 2008
“ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota official has asked state authorities to investigate whether a request for money by Barack Obama’s presidential campaign constitutes an illegal raffle.
In a letter on the campaign’s Web site, campaign manager David Plouffe ties the solicitation to the announcement that Obama will deliver his nomination acceptance speech at Denver’s 76,000-seat Invesco Field at Mile High.
‘If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the 10 supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them,’ Plouffe says.
How the 10 will be selected is not detailed. The campaign says the solicitation is not a raffle.” Source: Associated Press, July 8, 2008
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12 Responses to “AP: “MINNESOTA GAMBLING AUTHORITY ASKS IF OBAMA CAMPAIGN’S WEB SOLICITATION IS A RAFFLE””
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July 8th, 2008 at 9:02 AM
It’s a raffle. I hope it rains cats and dogs on July 31st. Only the democrats keep getting away with speaking in churches, voter fraud and illegal ways to raise campaign funds. I am sure if Obama becomes president, he will raffle off the Oval Office. No dignity, no respect, the democratic way!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Hilarious. The man is promoted like a rock-star. Are backstage passes included?
July 8th, 2008 at 10:17 AM
GOP Gal,
Are you Triple A in drag? You sound about as informed and intelligent as he is.
If its a raffle, then McCain will slide because they can’t pay enough people to be around him but I think about all of the MN GOP raffles for Lunch with Bush and pictures with Bush and Cheney right here in Minneosta (one in Edina a couple of years back, one in Saint Paul and one in Wayzata).
You can’t be this stupid. You just can’t.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:43 AM
It might be a raffle. And any of his many, recent policy position changes lately might be considered a waffle.
Can we raffle waffles?
July 8th, 2008 at 10:54 AM
This is desperate politics by Mr. Barrett who is simply carrying the water for Tim Pawlenty. There is no raffle here! A $5 contribution and an interesting life story may get you a trip to Denver but it is the life story that will determine who gets the complimentary trip – not the contribution!
That this is purely a political move is evidenced by the request to have the Department of Public Safety look into the matter. The Dept. of Public Safety does not regulate charitable gambling in Minnesota – the Attorney General does. Barrett and Pawlenty know that the Office of the Attorney General will take a look at this and quickly and correctly conclude that based on the facts, this is not a raffle as defined in law.
The Department of Public Safety however, is a state agency under the control of Mr. Pawlenty. As we all now know, the new breed of Republican office holder like George W. Bush and Tim Pawlenty have no qualms about corrupting public agencies to further their own political agendas.
Sen. Obama’s campaign has come up with an original and worthwhile idea to engage contributors. Since the Bush-Republican national nightmare will be ending in November, it is no surprise at all that they will continue to throw tantrums – they have nothing else to offer.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:14 AM
A worthwhile idea it may be, but it’s striking similarity to a raffle seems to rule out “original”. Unless you happen to be carrying water for BHO, I guess.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:23 AM
i am no barack fan but this criticism by gop is extremely petty.
what is more important might be a comparison between the “messiah” obama and others in world history that have had little experience, but talked their way into office. any thoughts about world history in the 1930′s and rulers that came to power with little or no experience, had the ability to hold his audience spellbound, and used an outdoor arena with searchlights to mesmerize his followers, but ended up being a catastrophic leader???
July 8th, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Websters Onlie: a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances
July 8th, 2008 at 11:57 AM
“A $5 contribution and an interesting life story may get you a trip to Denver but it is the life story that will determine who gets the complimentary trip – not the contribution!”
OK. Try sending in your sob story WITHOUT the five bucks. See how far that gets you.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:09 PM
[...] AP: “MINNESOTA GAMBLING AUTHORITY ASKS IF OBAMA CAMPAIGN’S WEB… …manager David Plouffe ties the solicitation to the announcement that Obama will deliver his nomination acceptance speech at Denver’s 76,000… [...]
July 8th, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Well that was quick.
The Obama campaign which was not conducting a lottery by selling chances to meet the Messiah and definitely not breaking any MN laws (just ask DJZ) have now reversed themselves and dropped the contribution requirement.
Oh, and DJZ?
“The Minnesota Gambling Board received a tip on Monday of the possible violation. Since the board only oversees charity gambling, it referred the matter the public safety department which investigates other forms of gambling.”
Don’t worry though, your conclusion that a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy (TM) was responsible will continue to sell well with the crazy set.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:44 PM
My Friends,
The Straight Talk Express bus has become a symbol of my campaign’s openness, honesty and access – true democracy at work. Some of my favorite memories of the campaign so far are of riding on the Straight Talk Express across this great country, enjoying unscripted, spirited conversation about the issues with members of the press and other passengers. I believe voters deserve a close, unfiltered examination of our presidential candidates. This give-and-take of ideas is a true example of democracy in action.
I’d like to take the opportunity today to invite you to join me on the Straight Talk Express for a day of conversation and campaigning.
Our last “Ride the Bus” contest was such a success, we’ve decided to launch it again. As a token of my appreciation for your financial support, any donation you make between today and next Monday at midnight, will qualify you to win a seat aboard the Straight Talk Express. I hope you’ll consider joining me by making a donation right away.
https://www.johnmccain.com/ridethebus
If I am given the great honor of serving as the next President of the United States, I will make certain that my administration is open and forthright about the issues facing this country, and I will keep this great conversation going that began on the Straight Talk Express.
I’ve said before that I’m running to be president of all Americans and the Straight Talk Express enables me to travel around our great country to meet directly with Americans to discuss their thoughts, ideas and concerns. We’re facing many great challenges as a nation, and I am running for president to solve these challenges through government reform.
I hope you will join my campaign for reform today and make a contribution before next Monday. Remember, with any donation you make you’ll be entered to win a trip aboard the Straight Talk Express for the day. Thank you, as always, for your tireless support.
Sincerely,
John McCain
P.S. I’ve never been afraid to do things a little differently on the campaign trail. I’ve never been afraid to hold town hall forums, engaging Americans in a discussion on the issues. My campaign bus, the Straight Talk Express, has taken me to every corner of our great country to meet with Americans who agree we need reform. Today, you have the chance to win a day with me on the Straight Talk Express. You will be entered to ride the bus with me by making a donation of any amount before next Monday. Please follow this link to enter today. Thank you.
link here: The WaterBoard Express