Elizabeth and Bob Dole
GOP bigwigs joining forces for fundraising
By Brook R. Corwin
brook@surrymessenger.com

Several of the state’s more influential Republican political figures will soon converge in Mount Airy.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Rep. Virginia Foxx are taking their re-election campaigns to Cross Creek Country Club next Wednesday for a fundraiser that will also feature Dole’s husband, former presidential candidate Bob Dole.
The event is being hosted by Richard and Betty Kay Vaughn, longtime supporters of both Dole, a first-term senator, and Foxx, a second-term Congresswoman representing the district that includes Surry County.

This year both are up for re-election and facing Democratic opponents. Richard Vaughn said Tuesday that both candidates were looking to have fundraising events in the area this year. “I knew from experience that it doesn’t work to have two fundraising events in one season. The idea came about to have both at the same time,” he said. Bob Dole was added to the bill to help draw a larger crowd. The former Kansas senator and Senate minority leader ran for president three times, winning the Republican nomination in 1996 before losing to Bill Clinton. He now balances his time with political activities, consulting, speaking engagements and advocating for public policies and charitable causes. “This is among the strongest group of politicians who have ever come together in Mount Airy,” Vaughn said. “To have them all here at once is certainly a big political gathering.”

Amy Auth, press secretary for Elizabeth Dole, said Tuesday that Bob Dole keeps a busy schedule, but tries to accompany his wife on events across the state whenever he can. Foxx and Dole have participated in political events in the past, but next week will mark their first joint fundraiser, Aaron Groen, Foxx’s press secretary, said Tuesday. All proceeds from the event, which is charging $125 per couple for the general reception and up to $2,000 for photo opportunities with the candidates, will be split between the two candidates’ campaign committees. Although each faces organized opposition, Foxx and Dole both hold a sizable fundraising advantages typical for incumbents in any election cycle. According to the Federal Elections Commission, Foxx raised $450,000 in 2007 and had almost $1 million on hand at the end of the year. Dole raised $4.5 million and had $2.6 million on hand.

Foxx’s most organized opposition, retired teacher Roy Carter, began his campaign last fall and raised $26,000 in 2007. Dole’s most notable opponent is state Sen. Kay Hagan, who raised $560,000. Vaughn said he’s unsure yet how many people will attend Wednesday’s event since the cutoff date to register is Monday. Past fundraisers for statewide political candidates have drawn 250 to 300 people from Surry and neighboring counties.

“The invitations are concentrated locally, but there will be other folks from around the Piedmont,” Vaughn said. “It will be pretty widespread.”
Those interested in attending should call Dole’s campaign committee at 919-829-0310.