Schumer may shatter fundraising records for Democrats

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/239033-schumer-may-shatter-fundraising-records

Sen. Charles Schumer, who will become the Senate’s top Democrat in 2017, could become one of the greatest fundraisers of all time.The New York Democrat has developed a reputation as a tenacious money magnet who doesn’t take no for an answer. When handed a $25,000 check, he’s been known to respond, “You can do a little better than that.”He’s asked donors to send him contributions by courier to quash any possible excuses about a “check in the mail.”
“I would use the word ‘relentless.’ He knows every year what money is out there and how to reach it,” said Tom Quinn, a Democratic lobbyist who has known Schumer since he was elected to the House in 1980.Schumer is constantly looking for new donors, and will even badger Republicans for cash. Sources say he has multiple cellphones, and he’s seen regularly in the Capitol with one attached to his ear.

The 64-year-old has strong ties to New York’s powerful financial services industry, as well as to titans of the tech industry and Hollywood. His fundraising network is vast, helped tremendously by twice running the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).The money solicited from Schumer’s countless calls has helped his party, and played a major role in his ascension in leadership. With him as DSCC chairman, Democrats won the Senate in 2006 and achieved a filibuster-proof 60 seats in 2008.In 2017, he will replace retiring Nevada Sen. Harry Reid as the chamber’s top Democrat. If 2016 is a good year for Democrats, Schumer will be the majority leader in the next Congress.

Last edited by Common Sense (4/16/2015 11:13 am)