(Apr 15, 2009): "Hillary took in $5.6M in 1st quarter" (Politico)

[CGP]

Full Report @ Politico (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21298.html)


In the first three months of the year, Hillary Clinton paid off $3.7 million in bills left over from her failed presidential campaign, according to a report her campaign filed Wednesday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission.

The report shows that Clinton has only one vendor left to pay off: pollster Mark Penn. Her campaign paid his firm $3 million in the first quarter, but still owes it $2.3 million.

The filing also reveals that the campaign brought in $5.6 million between January 1 and March 31, an impressive sum given that Clinton has relied on surrogates to raise money to pay off her debts since January, when she was confirmed as Secretary of State for her Democratic primary rival, President Barack Obama.

Ethics rules and tradition restrict diplomats from engaging in partisan political activity, including raising cash to pay off the debt.

Though Clinton had $2.6 million in the bank at the end of March, she couldn't use that to pay off the remainder of the Penn debt because her campaign operation still has overhead costs it needs to pay.

For instance, in the first quarter, the campaign paid $9,400 in salary to staffers in New York and Washington, plus $2,300 in phone services, $7,000 for website maintenance and $30,000 in travel costs.

[TheTaoOfBill]

Funny that Mark Penn was the last to get paid. I wonder why.

[Tim4Hillary]

I've said it before but I'll say it again. Mark Penn should let that be his contribution to the campaign. We all ponied up quite a lot in blood, sweat, tears and dollars. He doesn't need the money. What is his consulting firm...all of one - him?? Give it up Mark! Give it up!

[Meg]

Does anyone actually like Mark Penn? I know I don't... I don't think he even deserves to get paid for his "work".:-bd

[Aria]

...What is his consulting firm...all of one - him?? Give it up Mark! Give it up!

I was surprised to see Dana Perino, Bush's Press Secretary going to work at Penn's firm. There's a thread on that. Seems odd - but Perino is a sharp lady.

[CGP]

I am really impressed that they have been able to raise this much money in 2009. They will have no problem paying off the remaining debt which is good. I realize, however, that Hillary absorbed in full that personal loan she made to her campaign - which was something like $11-13 million or so?! :eek:

[Meg]

I am really impressed that they have been able to raise this much money in 2009. They will have no problem paying off the remaining debt which is good. I realize, however, that Hillary absorbed in full that personal loan she made to her campaign - which was something like $11-13 million or so?! :eek:

I believe it was around $13.5 million.

[Tim4Hillary]

I believe it was around $13.5 million.

Well, I don't feel bad for her $ contribution. The Clinton's can make 13.5 million at the drop of the hat. Let's not kid ourselves. Plus I like the fact that she contributed part of her own money. Many of us were working and contributing money. The amount I gave probably equals proportionally to my salary what the 13.5 represents to theirs. This is what made it feel fair to me. Again, that's why I think Penn could pony up and do the same, especially since his advice, i.e. the 'work' he did for, was so damaging to her campaign

[clschwartz]

Mark Penn may or may not deserve to be paid - but that is not the issue. It is a debt she lawfully owes, and she is not the type of person to shirk their legal responsibilities - we all need to make sure that she can pay her campaign debts in full. She is continuing to work her heart out for us . Besides - we don't want her to be in debt for her next run as our first female POTUS.

[foxyladi]

I've said it before but I'll say it again. Mark Penn should let that be his contribution to the campaign. We all ponied up quite a lot in blood, sweat, tears and dollars. He doesn't need the money. What is his consulting firm...all of one - him?? Give it up Mark! Give it up!

indeed.:thumbsup:

[Kaylin]

and people say there's no common ground!!!

I agree with everything everybody said in this thread.

the proof of Mark Penn's ineffectiveness is how quickly things got back on track as soon as Howard Wolfson and Maggie Williams took over the reins. unfortunately it was too late.

also agree with Tim that Hillary and Bill can absorb the loss and recoup very quickly. with regard to financial sacrifice, imo it was more concerning to see everyday citizens maxing out their credit cards to keep making donations long past the point they could afford to.

[Suzan]

and people say there's no common ground!!!

I agree with everything everybody said in this thread.

the proof of Mark Penn's ineffectiveness is how quickly things got back on track as soon as Howard Wolfson and Maggie Williams took over the reins. unfortunately it was too late.

also agree with Tim that Hillary and Bill can absorb the loss and recoup very quickly. with regard to financial sacrifice, imo it was more concerning to see everyday citizens maxing out their credit cards to keep making donations long past the point they could afford to.

genericstamp! to everything Kaylin said!

This thread is turning into a regular love fest, lol.

[Jobu86]

genericstamp! to everything Kaylin said!

This thread is turning into a regular love fest, lol.

@};-@};-@};-@};-@};-@};-@};-@};-@};-

[TheTaoOfBill]

:e4: Then it is settled. Mark Penn sucks.