DNC credentials for sale

People who raise $28,500 for Democratic Party's White House Victory Fund are being offered a daily credential to the floor of the Democratic National Convention, according to a fundraising e-mail circulated Friday. Also, those who bundle contributions totaling $27,600 can meet privately with presidential contender Barack Obama on Wednesday morning.

Several prominent Colorado Democrats, including superintendent of Denver Public Schools Michael Bennet, former Denver mayor and national co-chair of Obama's campaign Federico Peña, attorney and member of Denver's convention host committee Willie Shepherd and others are hosting a breakfast with Obama at the Hyatt Regency Denver on Wednesday for $2,300 per person.

The e-mail invite says those who donate $28,500 for the Democratic National Committee's "Victory Fund" will receive a daily credential to the Aug. 25-28 convention. That money can be used to benefit the party's nominee.

Donors who bundle donations totaling $27,600, or 12 people making the maximum $2,300 donation, get to meet with Obama privately before the breakfast.

Using convention credentials to generate donations is not unusual, but government watchdog groups frequently grumble the practice amounts to an unlevel playing field that doesn't allow less wealthy interests equal access.

The Obama campaign has yet to release a public schedule for his Wednesday visit to the Denver area.

Bookmark/Search this post with: