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Obama Inaugural Committee Helps With Clinton Debt, Too

January 07, 2009 4:40 PM

Abc_rick_klein_081203_main_3 ABC News’ Rick Klein Reports: We reported last month on how the Clinton Foundation, among other groups, was helping retire Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign debt by selling access to her e-mail list.

Now -- just days before Clinton’s confirmation hearings for secretary of state -- President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural committee is helping out, too.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee today sent an e-mail to HillaryClinton.com supporters asking for donations to the committee. The e-mail touts a lottery that will allow a small group of supporters to watch Obama’s swearing-in.

The e-mail was signed by former President Bill Clinton, who is one of the honorary co-chairmen of the inaugural committee. The committee is being funded through private donations.

“It's going to be a remarkable moment when [Obama] takes the oath of office, a moment for America to come together and begin our journey down a new path," the former president writes.  "I know how much I'm looking forward to this great event, and I hope you will take advantage of this special opportunity to watch Barack Obama and Joe Biden become President and Vice-President of the United States.

“The Inaugural Committee will select 10 supporters and their guests to travel to Washington and watch as the new president is sworn in," the email adds.  "If you contribute $5 or more to the Inaugural Committee today, you could be selected as one of 10 supporters and their guests who will travel to Washington and participate in this historic Inauguration, as well as attend the welcome ceremony, the parade and an official Inaugural Ball.”

No word yet from the inaugural committee or the Clinton political team on how much it cost the committee to buy access to Clinton’s e-mail list. The figure will have to be reported later this month.

Several outside consultants have told ABC News that buying the right to a list of Clinton’s fundraising potential and size -- well into the millions of solid Democrats -- would easily run into the six figures.

Sen. Clinton’s aides have described the rental of access to her voter-contact information as a smart business decision based on her unique circumstances.

As of her most recent federal filing, she was carrying a campaign debt of $6.3 million. She’ll be prohibited from holding political events after she’s confirmed as secretary of state, making it difficult to pay vendors the money they’re owed.

The Clinton Foundation sent a fundraising pitch -- signed by Chelsea Clinton -- to the HillaryClinton.com community last month. And the liberal media watchdog group Media Matters for America sent a membership pitch -- signed by former Clinton aide James Carville -- to Sen. Clinton’s list as well.

A Clinton political aide confirmed that a similar arrangement was reached with the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

January 7, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (43)

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Why can't they use all of that illegal money they got from China?

Posted by: please! | Jan 7, 2009 5:37:44 PM

TO PLEASE, PLEASE GET A LIFE. QUIT BEING AN IMBECILE - IT'S A NEW YEAR!

Posted by: Oh Please | Jan 7, 2009 5:42:13 PM

According to "WiKI" answer when asked if Hillary is a millionaire, the answer to this question is yes. she has a combined net worth with her husband of 50-100 million. POOR THING.

Posted by: Anna | Jan 7, 2009 5:45:06 PM

Of course Obama is going to pay Hillary's debt. It is called "pay to play" Obama wanted Hillary's support in exchange he had to pay her debt and make her Secretary
of State.

Posted by: CW | Jan 7, 2009 5:45:48 PM

Interesting, paying off her debt and only yesterday it was stated he would be increasing ours by "Trillions for the foreseeable future".

Posted by: JKA | Jan 7, 2009 5:49:24 PM

This is a hoot! Obama and Clinton, both multi-millionaires begging poor democrats for a few bucks. Priceless and tasteless!!!!!

Posted by: bo | Jan 7, 2009 5:51:11 PM

I'm sure she will come up with it. Afterall, she and Bubba are bed buddies with the Saudis.

Or is this going to get paid off by the same people that think their $100 donations to BHO added up to $750,000,000?

Hillary, and BHO, have ZERO understanding of how Americans are having to live paycheck to paycheck. Can't wait for my $9.45 per week savings PEBO. I think I'll buy that gallon of vegetable oil I've been saving up for.

Posted by: i just love him soooo much | Jan 7, 2009 6:05:33 PM

"Pay to Play"

"Change We Can Believe In"

"LOL"

Posted by: cc | Jan 7, 2009 6:10:25 PM

Goes to show that the big money democrats will always stay that way because the work a day liberals hand them anything they ask for. Come on. The Clinton's are loaded from their after white house actions. Hillary pushed off questions about her stock market winnings as she was good at it. Don't see her hurting from the last 8 years in the pocket book.
Let the Clinton's the money themselves. Or have the rich Kenney's, Kerry's and Pelosi's pay it.

Posted by: s63m | Jan 7, 2009 6:11:55 PM

Obama and Hillary don't care about the American people. They vote for billions to be given to banks and car makers in bailouts, yet they want to give us a tax credit of $500.00 a year. That is $9.25 a week. How generous is that..???

Posted by: CW | Jan 7, 2009 6:13:50 PM

I got a phone call from some Democratic committe last night asking for money..I figured I gave enough to help bail out wallstreet.
That's some huge nerve isn't it??
Please don't call anymore.

Posted by: randy shumaker | Jan 7, 2009 6:17:24 PM

PAY TO PLAY


Posted by: CW | Jan 7, 2009 6:18:32 PM

Well, you have to give the Clintons and the rest of the incoming crowd one kudo:they have more unbelievable gall that any previous so-called "Elects". All the swarmy intermingling of funds. donations from foreign enemies to the campaign debt of a SOS nominee (if they contributed to the Clinton Fund Hill/Bill is by obvious association, in their debt!! Ye Gods, the abuses go on and on. And this is all being discusssed in open forum, and there is no outrage. but is being called "transperentcy" Crime in daylight!!

Posted by: Virginia | Jan 7, 2009 6:19:10 PM

Call it one SCUMBAG lawyer helping another SCUMBAG lawyer.

Hillary is just trying to pay back her friends, errr, I mean "associates." If she doesn't they will no longer be her friends, ooops, I mean, "business partners." And they will not pander for her any longer.

Posted by: worker man | Jan 7, 2009 6:23:56 PM

Jeezsh -- And Dems bitch about Republican kick-backs.

Posted by: R in IA | Jan 7, 2009 6:25:27 PM

Hillary wants the $15 million she lent herself paid back.

Posted by: CW | Jan 7, 2009 6:42:43 PM

Can't PEBO just print an extra few million bucks and give it to her?

He probably will. How would know any different?

Posted by: enoughalready | Jan 7, 2009 7:21:00 PM

"If you contribute $5 or more to the Inaugural Committee today, you could be selected as one of 10 supporters and their guests who will travel to Washington and participate in this historic Inauguration, as well as attend the welcome ceremony, the parade and an official Inaugural Ball.”

If anyone thinks that there will be someone that donated $5 and wins this lottery, I have some oceanfront property to sell you in Nebraska.

The Clintons are, no question, the sleaziest people in America.

Posted by: i just love him soooo much | Jan 7, 2009 7:24:26 PM

I wonder how Obama's campaign contributors feel about it?

Posted by: LongT | Jan 7, 2009 7:40:30 PM

longt--Like the mindless zombies they are, BHO groupies would follow their golden boy off a cliff, if he told them to.

Baaaahh, Baaaaaaahhh, Baaaahhhhh. The sheep are asking for their crumbs, oh great one.

Posted by: i just love him soooo much | Jan 7, 2009 7:49:16 PM

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