Hillary Clinton to join Nancy Pelosi headlining S.F. fundraiser

Assuming a more overtly political role, Hillary Rodham Clinton will join Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi for a high-dollar San Francisco fundraiser benefiting the party’s congressional candidates.

The invitation, issued Wednesday, solicits contributions up to $32,400 per couple on behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. A single ticket for the Oct. 20 luncheon in Pelosi’s hometown -- billed as “the ultimate women’s power luncheon” — goes for $500.

Clinton has been a frequent visitor to California as she lays the groundwork for a possible second run for president. In June, she appeared at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre, where she spoke at length to supporters and was interviewed on stage for more than half an hour as part of a national book tour.

Clinton has consistently batted away questions regarding her intentions in 2016. But lately the former secretary of State has edged closer to the campaign fray and is expected to step up her partisan activities as the Nov. 4 election nears.

Last week, it was announced that Clinton and her husband, Bill, would headline Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin’s annual steak fry, a longstanding showcase and proving ground for Democratic presidential aspirants in the state that traditionally kicks off the presidential balloting.

The event, set for Sept. 14, typically draws thousands of party donors and activists from across Iowa and a political press corps from around the country.

Hillary Clinton’s sppearance will mark her first visit to Iowa since 2008, when she finished third in the Iowa caucuses, a setback from which her campaign never fully recovered. Her husband, the former president, has appeared at the steak fry four times.

A public announcement of Hillary Clinton’s intentions regarding 2016 is not expected for several more months.

mark.barabak@latimes.com

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